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George W. Cunningham
Moves from Winfield to Arkansas City.
WINFIELD DIRECTORY 1880:
Entry not given for George W. Cunningham. Evidently he had already moved to Arkansas City before directory was completed. The Lent family became relatives when he married Nellie B. Lent in April 1879.
Lent, B. C., merchant, r. G. W. Cunningham.
Lent, O. H., merchant, r. G. W. Cunningham.
ARKANSAS CITY 1893:
G. W. Cunningham, 34; spouse, N., 30.
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.
Married, on Sunday evening last, at the Presbyterian church by Rev. Mr. Platter, Mr. Geo. Cunningham and Miss Nellie B. Lent. The young lady will never be Lent anymore for the young man is too cunning to ever return a Platter of ham—or words to that effect. We wish the young couple much joy.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.
The lightning struck the house of Mr. Geo. Cunningham last Sunday, but did no damage other than searing the inmates pretty badly and shaking things up some.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 4, 1880.
Geo. W. Cunningham, formerly with S. H. Myton, Winfield, has opened an Agricultural Implement House in this city, and will sell plows, cultivators, and all other farm implements, from the well known manufactories of the Weir Plow Co.; John Deere Plow Company; Furs & Bradley manufacturing company; Champier, Wood, and Adams & French harvesting machines; Nichols & Shepherd threshers; Bain and Mitchell farm and spring wagons. Repairs for all kinds of machines. Office with Howard, Rexford & Howard.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 14, 1880.
Cunningham, the West Side Agriculture Machinery Merchant, has built a new office in the rear of Daniels and Harry’s Picture Gallery.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 14, 1880.
If you desire anything in the Machinery line, you would do well to call on Cunningham before purchasing. He has a complete assortment of Agricultural implements at his yards South of Phillips’ Grocery Store. See his ad. in this issue.
AD: FARMERS, FARMERS. Consult your own interests and buy of CUNNINGHAM.
He sells the Goods that you have all tried and know to be good. Don’t let any Agents persuade you to buy anything else but what you know to be all right.
Buy the MARSH HARVESTER & BINDER.
WOOD HARVESTER & BINDER.
ADAMS & FRENCH HARVESTER.
CHAMPION MACHINES.
WOOD MACHINES.
NICHOLS & SHEPHERD THRESHER.
WEIR PLOW CO.’S GOODS.
JOHN DEERE CO.’S GOODS.
BAINE WAGONS.
MITCHEL WAGONS, ETC.
You can depend on CUNNINGHAM.
Ask to see the JOHN DEERE SPRING RIDING CULTIVATOR.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 8, 1880.
G. W. Cunningham is now engaged in baling hay for shipment to the West. He intends to ship at least a thousand tons this season, of which he last week baled over fifty tons. This is an undertaking that reflects credit upon the enterprise of our townsman, and we hope he will profit thereby.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 24, 1880.
Mr. George Cunningham and wife left on the four o’clock train yesterday for New York City, where they intend to visit for awhile.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1881.
Our townsman, George Cunningham, has been quite successful in his baling and shipping of hay the past winter. Up to the present time, he informs us, he has shipped to points in New Mexico and Colorado over $10,000 worth of hay.
[ARKANSAS CITY DEMOCRAT ITEMS.]
Winfield Courier, February 24, 1881.
We made a slight mistake last week in stating that Geo. Cunningham had shipped two car loads of baled hay to Leadville. It should have been sixteen car loads.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 9, 1881.
Cultivators, sixteen styles, at G. W. CUNNINGHAM’S.
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
Geo. Cunningham, of Arkansas City, has an ad in this paper. Read it, Farmers!
AD: GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM, ARKANSAS CITY, AGENT FOR COWLEY COUNTY FOR THE SALE OF HODGES’ HEADER. YOUR FARE AND EXPENSES WILL BE PAID BY ME IF YOU WILL COME AND EXAMINE AND BUY THIS HEADER THIS SEASON. WILL GUARANTEE LOWEST PRICES, LONGEST & BEST TERMS.
LATEST IMPROVED & BEST HEADER MADE.
Will bear your expenses if it is not so. Machine and repairs will be delivered free at Winfield, and freights guaranteed less than Winfield freights. Machine and repairs on hand, and you are sure to get them if ordered.
GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 4, 1881.
George W. Cunningham, true to his accustomed energy and enterprise, just received a carload of buggies and spring wagons, which makes a first-class appearance.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 25, 1881.
IT IS TOWN TALK
That Agricultural Implements in endless variety are on sale by G. W. Cunningham and Jas. Benedict.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 8, 1881.
FARMERS, ATTENTION! Geo. Cunningham will sell you a Mowing machine, and take pay for the same in Hay. This will enable a farmer to make his mower pay for itself.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 22, 1881.
An Indian captured a fawn last week, brought the same to town, and sold it to G. W. Cunningham, who now has the cutest little pet in the burg.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 24, 1881.
Geo. Cunningham has removed his residence, and now occupies the stone house, recently vacated by A. C. Williams, in the west part of town.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 31, 1881.
Prof. C. T. Atkinson has purchased the house recently occupied by George Cunningham, in the west part of town, and will take up his residence therein in a few days.
Winfield Courier, September 1, 1881.
George Cunningham, agricultural implement man, and purveyor of patent churns and spring tooth harrows to the citizens of Arkansas City, paid us a flying visit Monday.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 14, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Cunningham are in Kansas City, and will visit the State Fair.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 28, 1881.
Geo. Cunningham purchased from Peter Pearson last week one of the handsomest sets of parlor furniture ever brought to the city.
Married at G. W. Cunningham residence: E. A. Barron and Fannie B. Lent. It appears as though Fannie B. Lent was a sister of Mrs. G. W. (Nellie B.) Cunningham...
Arkansas City Traveler, November 9, 1881.
Hymenal.
MARRIED. On last Sabbath, Nov. 6th, 1881, the marital rite was celebrated between Mr. E. A. Barron and Miss Fannie B. Lent at the residence of Mr. Geo. Cunningham, in this city. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. S. B. Fleming.
Both bride and groom are well known in this city and their many friends unite with the TRAVELER in wishing them many years of matrimonial felicity, and the constant realization that
Love is a celestial harmony,
Of lively hearts composed of star’s consent,
Which join together in sweet sympathy,
To work each other’s joy and true content.
George W. Cunningham building a new structure...
Arkansas City Traveler, December 21, 1881.
George Cunningham has commenced work upon the foundation for his new business house on Summit Street and a big opening now foreshadows what is to be in the future. The structure will be of stone with brick front and will be 25 x 75 feet in length. We understand the Cowley County bank has bought one-half interest in the north wall, they owning the lot between the proposed new building and Howard Bros. brick, and if the necessary arrangements could be made no better location could be wished for a city hall than the second story of these three lots which would allow of a room 75 feet square.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 4, 1882.
The excavating for the cellar under Geo. Cunningham’s new stone building is completed, and quite a notable progress has been made on the stonework already. A like active course will be pursued until it is completed, which will be in a very few weeks, should the weather remain favorable.
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Cunningham...
Arkansas City Traveler, January 4, 1882.
MASQUERADE PARTY.
The social event of the Holiday week was the masquerade party held at the residence of Mr. James L. Huey on Friday evening, December 30th. A large number of invitations had been sent out, which were almost universally responded to, thus making the party a glorious success. The residence of Mr. Huey is one of the largest, and most commodious, in town; and as the merry throng of maskers promenaded the handsomely appointed salons of the mansion their costumes showed, to perfection, in the brilliant light of the glittering chandeliers. The guests were received by Mrs. James L. Huey, the hostess, assisted by her sister, Mrs. Fred Farrar, and it is needless to say, that under their hospitable care, every attention was shown “the motley crew” that claimed their cares. Refreshments in the shape of many tempting kinds of cake, sandwiches, teas, and coffee were liberally provided. Music lent its aid to the other enjoyments which coupled with the many unique costumes, and the cheering hum of voices lent a charm never to be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to take part in the festivities.
The following is a partial list of the guests with the characters they represented.
Mrs. Cunningham, Flower Girl; Mr. Cunningham, Imp; Mrs. Howard, Miss Prim; Mrs. Farrar, City Belle; Mrs. Searing, “Boss” Flour; Mrs. Matlack, “Straight” Flour; T. R. Houghton, Blazes; Alma Easterday, Bridget; Mrs. Grubbs, A Lady; Mrs. Nellie Houghton, Dreadnaught; J. Kroenert, “Lo”; C. M. Swarts, Chapeau; R. E. Grubbs, Widow Pudge; Miss Haywood, Queen Elizabeth; Mrs. Norton, Widow Bedott; Miss Guthrie, Incognita; Angie Mantor, Fat Woman; Jerry Adams, Bashful Maid; R. A. Houghton, Judge; I. H. Bonsall, Minister; Mrs. R. A. Houghton, A Bride; Mrs. Ingersoll, Quakeress; Mrs. Sipes, Quakeress; C. U. France, Uncle Toby; W. Thompson, Father Time; A. D. Ayres, Irishman; Mrs. A. D. Ayres, Anonyma; Mrs. Mead, Languedoc; Mr. Mead, Ghost; Mrs. T. Mantor, Mask; T. Mantor, Mask; J. G. Shelden, Cow Boy; Mrs. Watson, Old Maid; Mrs. Chandler, Night; C. R. Sipes, Uncle Tom; Miss A. Norton, Sunflower; Miss S. Hunt, Sunflower; Miss M. Parker, Sunflower; Miss Peterson, Nun; Miss A. Dickson, Sister of Mercy; Miss L. Wyckoff, Sister of Mercy; J. T. Shepard, Guiteau; J. H. Walker & wife, German Couple; C. H. Searing, XXXX Flour; J. Gooch, Private U. S. A.; C. Hutchins, Private, U. S. A.; Mrs. Haywood, Dinah; Mrs. Newman, Topsy; Dr. J. Vawter, Prohibition; C. L. Swarts, Post no bills; W. D. Mowry, A Bottle; Clara Finley, A Lone Star; R. C. Haywood, Fat Dutch Boy; Ben Matlack, May Fisk; M. B. Vawter, Fireman; O. Ingersoll, Big Mynheer; Mrs. Shepard, Japanese Lady; Miss Cassell, Red Riding Hood; Mrs. L. McLaughlin, Mrs. J. Smith; Mr. Matlack, “Pat” bedad; Mrs. Gooch, Equestrienne; R. J. Maxwell, Priest.
Among the ladies and gentlemen who were present, unmasked, were Rev. Fleming and wife, W. E. Gooch, H. P. Farrar, Mr. Chandler, Mr. and Mrs. Bonsall, Mrs. Mowry, and many others whose names our reporter failed to receive.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 18, 1882.
We understand that our new tinner, G. W. Miller, has secured the contract for putting the roof on Geo. Cunningham’s new stone store room. Mr. Miller is a thorough workman and will do himself proud thereon.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 8, 1882.
Geo. Cunningham is already receiving stacks of farming implements for the coming spring trade.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 8, 1882.
Cunningham’s new building will be finished this week, and he will fill it with machinery of all kinds. He says he will sell way down low.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 22, 1882.
Geo. Cunningham now occupies his new store room.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 22, 1882.
Farm, Field, Flower, and Vegetable Seeds of every description in bulk at G. W. Cunningham’s.
George W. Cunningham’s store...
Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1882.
Gen. A. H. Green, the well known real estate man of Winfield, was in our city last Monday upon business connected with the starting of a Real Estate office. He has secured a temporary office in G. W. Cunningham’s store, the business of which will be mainly managed by Mr. Nat. Snyder.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1882.
FOR SALE: A stone house, large lot, good well, well located in Winfield for sale cheap, and on easy terms, to parties who desire a home of their own. Inquire of G. W. Cunningham, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1882.
Mr. Lent has left Fitch & Barron, and is now with Geo. Cunningham.
George W. Cunningham, charter member, Highland Hall Company...
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1882.
City Hall.
At last the prospects of Arkansas City’s getting a Public Hall building is assuming a tangible shape. On Monday of this week a charter was filed in the office of the Secretary of State at Topeka to the “Highland Hall Company,” of Arkansas City, with Messrs. H. P. Farrar, O. P. Houghton, G. W. Cunningham, C. Schiffbauer, and others of our leading citizens as charter members. The capital stock of the company will be $10,000, issued in shares of $10 each.
The location, plans, etc., of the building, of course, have not been finally decided upon, yet the edifice is to be of brick and stone with a basement, and ground floor 14 feet in clear to ceiling and a hall on second story 50 x 100 feet, and 11 feet in clear to ceiling. It rests entirely with our own people to push this matter to a speedy and successful issue. That it will be of incalculable benefit to the community we think no one will deny.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 31, 1882.
At the meeting of the Highland Hall Company, last Saturday evening, the following gentlemen were elected as its officers for the coming year: T. H. McLaughlin, President; Geo. W. Cunningham, Vice President; H. P. Farrar, Secretary and Treasurer.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1882.
COMING THIS WEEK. One car load of Cortlandt Spring Wagons and One car load of Farm Wagons for G. W. Cunningham.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1882.
Geo. Cunningham is erecting, under the skillful workmanship of W. J. Canfield, an addition to his implement store building on south Summit Street.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1882.
The Highland Hall Co. have moved a part of the buildings from the lots to be occupied by the new hall, and will break ground for the building this week.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1882.
John W. French sold his house and six lots on Eighth St. to George Cunningham last week. The sale was negotiated by Green & Snyder, who realized a handsome price for the property.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1882.
G. W. Cunningham contemplates improving his residence property on Ninth Street.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1883.
V. M. Ayres, of the Canal Mills, has his office now on South Summit Street with G. W. Cunningham. See his new sign.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1883.
Leave your orders for Corn Cobs at V. M. Ayres’ with George Cunningham.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 18, 1883.
George W. Cunningham has just received, and is now unloading, direct from the factory, a car load of warranted buggies and carriages, which he says he will sell at lower figures than ever before sold in this county.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 18, 1883.
DIED. At the residence of Geo. W. Cunningham, at 8 o’clock p.m. of Friday, April 13th, 1883, of dropsy, Anna Letitia, wife of B. C. Lent, of this city, in the 46th year of her age. The funeral was preached the following day at Mr. Cunningham’s residence at 4 o’clock p.m., after which the remains were conveyed to the Riverview Cemetery, where the last sad rites were performed in the presence of the sorrowing relatives and friends. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1883.
Read G. W. Cunningham’s new buggy “ad” in this issue.
Ad. 200 BUGGIES AT G. W. CUNNINGHAM’S, FROM $60 TO $200.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, June 13, 1883.
Communicated.
KAW AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, JUNE 8TH, 1885.
Ed. Traveler: Perhaps a report from this Agency may be of interest to some of your many readers. The principal object of interest here is the Kaw Government’s school numbering at present 50 scholars; the average having been 50 all through this quarter, and of this number, all but 3 or 4 can talk English. Their teachers are very enthusiastic and earnest and as a consequence, the children are advancing very fast in all branches of their studies. One of the boys, for the last six months, has been saving his wages to pay his fare to the Carlisle Barracks School, Pennsylvania, and obtaining permission from the Honorable Commissioner, started from your city some three weeks ago, making the trip all right by himself. The labors of the school boys are being blessed by their having an abundance of vegetables and the thrifty look of all their crops. They, with the assistance of their industrial teacher, are doing all the gardening for the school. The seeds for their garden were purchased from Mr. Cunningham, of Arkansas City, and were of the best quality. The superintendent, matron, or any of their workers would be glad at any time to entertain any who may wish to visit the school in the interests of education or religion. The months of July and August probably will not find the school open as there is to be somewhat of a vacation, and being the hot months of the year, it is thought best not to keep the children in too close and in these months the employees will take their vacation. Yours respectfully, Hasse [?]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 4, 1883.
Quite a little time was had on our streets last Saturday morning by the exhibition of the powers of a traction locomotive kept for sale by Mr. G. W. Cunningham. It was handled with as much ease as a team of horses and when hitched to a loaded Concord coach, afforded a rare treat to a large number of large and small boys.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1883.
George Cunningham desires us to inform his patrons “he don’t know what.” Won’t somebody please call and tell him?
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1883.
George Cunningham contemplates the erection in this city of a brick store building, 50 x 132 feet, three stories. This is rendered necessary by his increasing trade.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1883.
Geo. W. Cunningham has sold his present business house, and intends to commence the erection of a new building, 50 x 100 feet, opposite his present place of business. See his “ad” for inducements to farmers.
Ad. FARMERS, ATTENTION! Having sold my present store building, and made arrangements for the erection of a business house, 50 x 100 feet, three stories, opposite my present stand, I WILL UNTIL DECEMBER 1, 1883, OFFER BARGAINS To save removal in Implements, Wagons, Buggies, Etc. G. W. CUNNINGHAM.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 15, 1883.
Mr. G. W. Cunningham left for New York yesterday, where he goes upon a combination trip of business and pleasure.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1883.
The grocery firm of Kimmel & Moore are doing a rushing business these days, but are sadly inconvenienced for want of room. They have purchased G. W. Cunningham’s large store next door and will shortly move their stock thereto. This will give them one of the best store rooms in town.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 17, 1883.
Messrs. Canfield & Tate have the contract for the erection of G. W. Cunningham’s new building just south of Pearson’s furniture store. These gentlemen have completed several large contracts in this city already with credit to themselves, and this will add one more to their list.
[L. D. SKINNER: DRUNKEN RIDE.]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 28, 1883.
A Relic of Barbarism.
On last Thursday afternoon Mr. L. D. Skinner, of Bolton Township, well known in this city, became possessed of the very laudable desire to “run the city,” and proceeded to do it in the most approved cowboy style. This has long been a favorite pastime of the gentle Skinner. His effervescent disposition requires more pronounced means than those provided by nature to relieve his cherished carcass of its superabundance of noxious gases, and consequently he has proved a most formidable rival of the moon in the regularity with which he gets full and elevates the residence of Satan. He had one of his “regulars” on last Thursday. For over two hours he rode his pony up and down Summit Street, on the sidewalk whenever it suited the promptings of the bacchanalian spirit of the rider, or wherever the poor brute could be forced to go. His curses were as frequent as could well be expected of a person who must perforce take time to breathe, and what they lacked in refinement was amply supplied by the clearness of their pronunciation amid the indiscriminate manner in which they were applied to ladies and gentlemen alike who were upon the street. Just where our city marshal was during all this time was a question of much moment, but of hopeless solution, and after vainly waiting for his appearance, some of our citizens concluded that the quickest way to find him was for them to arrest Skinner and get him under lock and key. This was done by Ed. Horn, George Wright, George Cunningham, and Jennings Clark, with a suddenness that very nearly unjointed the animated tub of intoxicants, and he was soon landed in Bonsall’s office. The object of our citizens was accomplished; he was arrested and the city marshal was found instantly. Skinner was put under $500 bond for his appearance next day, when he was granted a stay of ten days, he still giving the same bond. His trial takes place next Monday, when it is to be hoped that he will be taught a lesson that will carry with it some weight.
Arkansas City Traveler, Supplement, December 19, 1883.
Amount of scrip issued by city clerk from May 1, 1883, to December 15, 1883, inclusive.
GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM, SUNDRIES.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 13, 1884.
The Hasie brothers, late of Denver, arrived in the city last week, and will soon commence the erection of their business and residence houses. As is pretty generally known, these gentlemen purpose establishing a wholesale grocery house in Arkansas City, for which they have secured the lots south of Cunningham’s new building, and will erect thereon a hand-some fifty foot front building. They have also purchased the north half of the old Norton property of Mr. Childs, for residence purposes. The Messrs. Hasie are thorough business gentlemen, and we trust they will meet with an encouragement commensurate with their enterprise. Arkansas City Traveler, February 20, 1884.
Commercial Building Association.
The above is the name of a new stock company formed in this city last week, the charter members of which are M. S. Hasie, George E. Hasie, W. M. Sleeth, H. P. Farrar, A. A. Newman, T. H. McLaughlin, George W. Cunningham, and T. R. Houghton. The immediate object of this company is the erection of a building on Summit street, just south of Cunningham’s new implement house, 125 feet front, 132 feet deep, and three stories high. The TRAVELER mentioned last week the fact that the Messrs. Hasie were to put up a commodious business structure, and when these gentlemen showed the design of their building to the gentlemen directly interested in the lots, and the suggestion was made that one solid block be built, the plan at once commended itself to all parties as one in keeping with the growth of our city. We have seen the plans for Messrs. Hasie’s part of the block, and must say they are very elaborate. It is of the style now most generally adopted by the San Francisco builders, known as the bay front style, above the first story. On the second story front are three bay windows, the center one square and the side windows octagonal. The front and rear of the first story will be almost entirely of glass, in order to get sufficient light to accommodate the great length. The height of the first story from ceiling to floor will be seventeen feet, the second fourteen, and the third twelve, and a ten foot basement runs the entire length. This will doubtless be the style adopted for the complete block, which, taken with the admirable interior arrangements, will make the Commercial and Hasie blocks the finest in Southern Kansas. The enterprise of the eight gentlemen comprising the Commercial Building Association speaks loudly to their credit, and will be a sure means of profit to themselves, not to mention the advantage accruing to the city in the way of advertising its business vim and prosperity.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 27, 1884.
Geo. Cunningham’s new store room is rapidly being filled with all kinds of agricultural implements, and we are glad to chronicle the fact that his establishment will be one of the best stocked and largest of its kind in the southwest.
Arkansas City Republican, February 16, 1884.
Cunningham’s new building is approaching completion rapidly.
Arkansas City Republican, February 16, 1884.
AD. G. W. CUNNINGHAM, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
FARM MACHINERY, WAGONS, BUGGIES, ETC.
PUMPS AND WINDMILLS!
MOTTO: Prices lower than can be had elsewhere!
Arkansas City Republican, February 23, 1884.
The Commercial Building Association.
On the 20th of this month, the Commercial Building Association of Arkansas City, Kansas, sprang into existence. Its incorporators: M. S. and Geo. E. Hasie, A. A. Newman, W. M. Sleeth, H. P. Farrar, T. H. McLaughlin, T. R. Houghton, and G. W. Cunningham. At the first meeting Geo. E. Hasie was elected president, and H. P. Farrar, secretary and treasurer. The first work of the association will be the erection of a building 75 feet in frontage, 132 feet in depth, and three stories high, between the business houses of the Hasie Bros., and G. W. Cunningham. In connection with the storeroom of the Hasie Bros., this will make the finest building in our city. The two structures—the association’s and the Messrs. Hasie’s—will form one solid building 125 feet in frontage, 132 feet in depth, and three stories high. This enterprise displays the energy of our businessmen and the importance, to capitalists, of our rapidly growing city.
Arkansas City Republican, February 23, 1884.
Notice to Contractors.
Proposals will be received until February 28th, for furnishing and delivering about 400 cords of good building rock; 1,500 yards of coarse clean building sand; and for the excavation of cellar and foundation walls of the Commercial Block, to be built fronting on Summit street. Proposals must be in writing, and can be for any part or the whole of the rock, sand, or the excavating, but a separate proposition must be made for each one. The proposition must be delivered to Geo. W. Cunningham, and those for rock and sand to be accompanied by a sample, showing the quality of that proposed to be delivered.
COMMERCIAL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION.
Arkansas City Republican, March 1, 1884.
Mr. G. W. Cunningham has his new building fairly crowded with new implements.
Arkansas City Republican, March 8, 1884.
The company from Arkansas City to attend the Camilla Urso concert Tuesday evening were: Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Newman, Mr. and Mrs. Beall, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Searing, Mr. and Mrs. Landes, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Farrar, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Coombs, Mr. and Mrs. Kroenert, and Mrs. C. R. Sipes, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Ayers; Misses Abbie Hamilton, Beck and Anna Hunt, Ed. G. Gary [Gray] and Miss Fowler; Ed. Kingsbury and Miss Barnett; C. M. Scott and Miss Gardiner, J. C. Topliff and Miss Walton, F. J. Hess and Miss Johnson; and George Cunningham. The party represented Arkansas City’s best people, and all seemed to enjoy the visit and concert immensely. They spoke in the highest terms of their entertainment at the Brettun. The accommodation train on the Santa Fe was held for them and all returned that evening. Winfield Courier.
Mrs. Cunningham...
Arkansas City Republican, March 15, 1884.
The late musical convention, held by Prof. Seager, has thoroughly aroused our people to the importance of musical culture. . . .
We most heartily welcome this new enterprise, the Arkansas City Choral society, perfected at a meeting held in the U. P. Church on last Wednesday evening.
The following is a list of the officers and executive committee: Pres., Wm. M. Sleeth; Vice Pres., Rev. S. B. Fleming; Sec. and Treas., J. O. Campbell; Musical Director, W. D. Mowry; Asst. Musical Director, Rev. Harris. Executive Committee: Geo. E. Hasie, Rev. Harris, R. L. Marshall, Mrs. Cunningham, Miss Ella Love.
The society starts out with fifty-six charter members. It meets on next Wednesday evening in the Presbyterian Church at 7:30 o’clock.
Arkansas City Republican, March 15, 1884.
The Flying Dutchman Gets There All Covered With Glory.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS, March 11, 1884.
Geo. W. Cunningham, in regard to the plow trial, held on the farm of Mr. B. Sturgill today, to determine the difference in draft between the Flying Dutchman and a Weir Walking Plow, we, the undersigned committee, appointed to make the test, hereby certify that the Flying Dutchman Sulky Plow beat the Weir Walking Plow fairly and squarely at least 80 pounds in draft.
Committee: W. B. Sturgill, M. T. Pitt, Wm. E. Sturgill, Thomas Pruitt, D. R. Goss, Owen Skinner, J. H. Sturgill.
THERE WERE OTHER TESTIMONIALS: Moline, Illinois, H. L. Lawson; Geuda Springs, Kansas, R. K. Melick; Geuda Springs, Wm. Resch; North Creswell Township, Johnlon Leeper.
Mrs. G. W. Cunningham...
Arkansas City Republican, March 22, 1884.
On Wednesday evening, at the Presbyterian Church, The Arkansas City Choral Society held its first regular meeting. Rev. S. B. Fleming presided, and Prof. R. W. Seager kindly conducted the singing. Miss Grace E. Medbury was invited by the unanimous vote of the society to the position of pianist, with Mrs. G. W. Cunningham as assistant. Andrew Dalzell was elected librarian, and Mr. S. G. Phillips, assistant musical director. A committee on membership was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Frank Hutchison, F. B. Marshall, C. H. Searing, Mrs. E. W. Gooch, and Mrs. Stacy Matlack, to whom will be referred all applications for membership made hereafter.
We understand Mr. Phillips has had considerable experience in the direction of chorus singing, and in the training which he can give the society, will prove a valuable acquisition.
Any of the officers, or the very energetic lady members of the executive committee, Miss Ella Love and Mrs. G. W. Cunningham, will be pleased to give all information that is desired in reference to the society.
Arkansas City Republican, April 5, 1884.
G. W. Cunningham can supply our farmer friends with Johnson grass seed.
Arkansas City Republican, April 5, 1884.
Citizens’ Meeting.
At the meeting at the opera house, last Wednesday evening, for the purpose of nominating a citizen’s ticket, Dr. A. J. Chapel was called to the chair; G. W. Cunningham and S. W. Duncan were elected secretaries. The following ticket was nominated:
Mayor, A. J. Pyburn; councilmen, George W. Cunningham, T. H. McLaughlin, Cal. Dean, Frank Leach, and John Love; Police Judge, Wm. Blakeney. Judge Pyburn since the meeting, having declined the nomination for mayor, Frank Schiffbauer has been substituted to his place on the ticket.
[REQUEST SENT TO A. J. PYBURN TO RUN FOR MAYOR.]
Arkansas City Republican, April 5, 1884.
Hon. A. J. Pyburn: Though aware of your repeated refusal to become a candidate for any office; and the determination to devote your time to your profession, and although cognizant of the fact that an election and acceptance would involve to a certain extent the sacrifice of personal interests, yet we request and urge that you permit your name to be used in nomination for the position of mayor of Arkansas City, feeling as we do, that in your election, you will represent the whole people regardless of politics, issues, or business, and have only at heart the best interests of the place, and welfare of the citizens.
G. W. Cunningham was the first to sign petition.
Response from Pyburn:
GENTLEMEN: Your call upon me to allow my name to be used in nomination for mayor of the city, is before me. Coming as it does from representative businessmen of our city, irrespective of party, I assure you of my profound appreciation of the motives that prompted it. And could I, in duty to my private and personal business interests, I should feel bound to accede to your demands, but this I cannot do, and must therefore, respectfully decline to become a candidate. Very Respectfully, A. J. PYBURN.
Arkansas City Republican, April 12, 1884.
G. W. Cunningham has Johnson grass seed for sale.
Arkansas City Republican, April 12, 1884.
Through the politeness of Amos Spray we were shown over the large agricultural storerooms of G. W. Cunningham. The building is the largest for its purpose in southern Kansas, and is completely stuffed from cellar to office.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1884.
Buy the Deering Twine Binder and you will get a good one. For sale by Cunningham.
Arkansas City Republican, June 21, 1884.
AD. G. W. CUNNINGHAM, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
FARM MACHINERY, WAGONS, BUGGIES, ETC. PUMPS AND WINDMILLS.
MOTTO: Prices Lower than can be had Elsewhere.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, July 9, 1884.
BIG AD ON FRONT PAGE. Largest Implement Warehouse IN KANSAS.
GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS. Prices guaranteed from 5 to 10 percent less than can be had within 100 miles.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1884.
Council Proceedings.
Costs in the cases of G. W. Cunningham ($2.25) and W. L. Krebs ($3.40) were ordered paid.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 23, 1884.
Tomorrow afternoon George Cunningham intends to show up the merits of the famous Flying Dutchman plow. Read his notice, farmers.
Ad. A Big Thing for Farmers. On tomorrow, Thursday, July 24, there will be a plowing exhibition on Newman’s farm north of Arkansas City, in which the merits of the famous Flying Dutchman plow will be tested. I will convince the most skeptical that the plow will do better work, with a hundred pounds lighter draft, than any other plow manufactured. We will cut a watermelon and open a keg of nails. Come in everybody. G. W. CUNNINGHAM.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 26, 1884.
AD. What some of our citizens say about the THOMPSON MOWER, Sold by Benedict & Owen, Arkansas City, Kansas.
A. Spray. Have cut 400 acres. Cuts buffalo grass, swamp grass, weeds, sowed corn, the latter so large that it fell on my head as I passed along. The best machine made. [Mr. Spray is now with G. W. Cunningham, of this city.]
Arkansas City Republican, August 2, 1884.
Geo. Cunningham and wife went east Monday, to be gone three or four weeks. They will visit the Catskill mountains, sea shore, and other health resorts.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 3, 1884.
The leading implement man in Southern Kansas, George W. Cunningham, returned from a visit to his native state last Saturday.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 6, 1884.
To Whom It May Concern. I have not sold out my business, neither do I intend to sell out, but intend to make lower prices on goods next year than my competitors will agree to.
GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM.
Arkansas City Republican, September 6, 1884.
Prof. Hadley informed the writer this week that the water works put in by Geo. Cunningham at the Chilocco school are a grand success.
Mrs. G. W. Cunningham...
Arkansas City Republican, September 6, 1884.
Mrs. G. W. Cunningham returned home Monday from Kansas City, in answer to a telegram announcing the death of Mr. Barron’s child, she being a sister of Mr. Barron.
Mr. G. W. Cunningham’s sister from New York visits...
Arkansas City Republican, September 13, 1884.
Miss Fannie S. Cunningham, of Peekskill, New York, is visiting at the residence of her brother, Geo. Cunningham.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 8, 1884.
Following is a complete list of stockholders in the Arkansas City Woolen Manufacturing Company, mention of which was made last week.
T. H. McLaughlin, Arkansas City Bank, Frank J. Hess, Wm. Sleeth, H. P. Farrar, Landes, Beall & Co., Sanborn & Gordon, H. Endicott, A. Walton, J. A. McIntyre, I. D. Harkleroad, W. E. Gooch, F. W. Farrar, A. A. Wiley, R. A. Houghton, T. J. Gilbert, A. Campbell, G. W. Cunningham, Schiffbauer Bros., A. [?] Andrews [Not sure of first initial.], Fitch & Barron, S. Matlack, J. B. Nipp, A. A. Newman, James Hill, E. H. Parker, T. D. Richardson, Benedict & Owen, D. Warren, J. H. Sherburne, J. N. T. Gooch, Uriah Spray, Theo Fairclo, H. D. Kellogg, Ira Barnett, A. J. Chapel, S. F. George, G. W. Miller, P. F. Endicott, Jamison Vawter, Kimmel & Moore, N. C. Hinkley, L. McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Republican, October 11, 1884.
G. W. Cunningham, Geo. Howard, and Harry Noble, of Winfield, went to St. Louis Tuesday to attend the exposition.
Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.
A social gathering of young folks was held Tuesday evening at the residence of G. W. Cunningham in honor of his sister, Miss Fannie Cunningham. The evening was spent in pleasant conversation, music, singing, and parlor games.
Arkansas City Republican, November 8, 1884.
Geo. Cunningham has re-fitted up his agricultural office handsomely. A new desk and carpet adorn the room.
Arkansas City Republican, November 15, 1884.
A popcorn social at G. W. Cunningham’s residence Thursday evening furnished enjoyment for a number of Arkansas City’s merry-makers.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 19, 1884.
Geo. Cunningham says that since Cleveland was elected, he wants to dispose of his agricultural implements. He says it took two-thirds of his time to collect after he had sold before; and that now it would take all, with no time even to sell.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 26, 1884.
The Ladies Aid Society of the Presbyterian Church will give a Thanksgiving Supper in the old post office building on Thanksgiving evening, supper to begin at six o’clock. The Ladies have not held a regular festival for one year and have cheerfully assisted others in their work and now ask the liberal patronage of all our people. A special invitation is given to strangers, and a cordial welcome to all.
The following committee of gentlemen to assist in the work have been selected by the ladies of the Presbyterian Aid Society.
In preparing the building: Messrs. G. W. Cunningham, S. P. Gould, F. B. Hutchinson, Herman Wycoff, E. D. Eddy, and W. V. McConn.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 3, 1884.
G. W. Cunningham put in an Eclipse Wind Mill for Mr. Royal, of Salt City, last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 3, 1884.
For schemes, wicked schemes, deceitful deceiving schemes, we recommend G. W. Cunningham and Ed. Kingsbury. There are a number who can testify to this; Goeden, perhaps may know something about it. Eh, Goeden?
Arkansas City Traveler, December 10, 1884.
Geo. W. Cunningham and Amos Spray are building a partnership house in the rear of George’s lots. George says he has a hen on it—right of occupancy.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 17, 1884.
Our implement men are having a pack of trouble: Lee arrested for felony; Benedict & Owen having mortgaged property, disposed of; and Geo. W. Cunningham levying on mortgaged property.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 17, 1884.
Miss Emily Grosscup, a charming sister of Frank, arrived in our city on Saturday and is at present domiciled with Mrs. G. W. Cunningham. She will preside at the notion counter at A. A. Newman & Co.’s. We congratulate Mr. Newman on his success in securing the services of this lady, as her experience in one of the largest dry goods houses in Philadelphia (Strawbridge & Clothing) has eminently fitted her for the mechanical as her social qualities fit her for doing the agreeable part of the work.
Arkansas City Republican, January 3, 1885.
New Year’s night at the Leland Hotel a select dance was given. It was gotten up by Messrs. Cunningham, Levy, Alexander, Hilliard, and others. There was a large attendance and an evening of merriment was had. All enjoyed themselves hugely.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 7, 1885.
The ball at the Leland Hotel Thursday evening was said to be one of the most enjoyable of the season. This of course goes without saying, with the following committees.
Committee on arrangements: S. Matlack, G. W. Cunningham, and A. V. Alexander.
Committee on invitation: Mrs. A. V. Alexander, Mrs. J. W. Heck, and Miss Gatwood.
Committee on music: Al. Levy.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 7, 1885.
The Episcopal ladies were overrun, New Year’s afternoon, with visitors, who came to enjoy their hospitality—which is renowned in Arkansas City. The names of the ladies who received were:
Mrs. W. E. Gooch, Mrs. R. E. Grubbs, Mrs. Nicholson, Mrs. M. S. Hasie, Mrs. Frank Beall, Mrs. John Landes, Mrs. J. H. Hilliard, Mrs. A. J. Chapel, Miss Jennie Peterson, Misses Hasie, Etta Barnett, Mame Stineman, Minnie Stewart.
The names of the principal callers we append below.
Maj. M. S. Hasie, Mr. Nicholson, I. H. Bonsall, Dr. H. D. Kellogg, T. S. Moorhead, Dr. J. A. Mitchell, A. D. Hawk, Rev. J. O. Campbell, J. H. Hilliard, Chas. Chapel, Phil. L. Snyder, Ed. L. Kingsbury, Lute V. Coombs, Leavitt Coburn, Frank M. Grosscup, Richard L. Howard, B. E. Grubbs, S. Matlack, C. Mead, John Kroenert, Sam P. Gould, Dr. A. J. Chapel, Wyard E. Gooch, Dr. G. H. J. Hart, C. H. Searing, G. W. Cunningham, F. P. Schiffbauer, Charles Schiffbauer, O. Ingersoll, Sam Wile, Al. Levy, Frank Beall, C. R. Sipes, R. C. Multer.
The ladies received royally, and a royal attendance was the result.
Arkansas City Republican, January 10, 1885.
A number of young folks took possession of Geo. Cunningham’s residence Tuesday evening and had a social time.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 14, 1885.
The Favorite Social Club will give a select ball at Highland Hall tomorrow night. Committee: C. C. Sollitt, P. L. Snyder, F. K. Grosscup, L. V. Coombs, E. L. Kingsbury, G. W. Cunningham.
Arkansas City Republican, January 17, 1885.
Geo. Cunningham went to Kansas City Wednesday afternoon. George while away will visit a number of the eastern manufactories of farm implements and see where he can obtain the best prices, and on his return will give his farmer friends the benefit he derives from his trip. He says he is going to lay in a $50,000 stock of implements and machinery.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 21, 1885.
Geo. W. Cunningham went to Kansas City Thursday on business. He returned Saturday.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 21, 1885.
Councilmen.
The following names have been proposed by various citizens as men who would be acceptable as councilmen from the different wards. Many, most of them in fact, are men who would render the city good service in that capacity.
FIRST WARD.
James Hill, James L. Huey, Will L. Aldridge, T. D. Richardson, S. J. Rice.
SECOND WARD.
T. H. McLaughlin, C. R. Sipes, L. E. Woodin, A. V. Alexander, Ira Barnett.
THIRD WARD.
A. D. Prescott, C. G. Thompson, J. B. Hilliard, C. H. Searing, S. Matlack, G. W. Cunningham, James Benedict.
FOURTH WARD.
A. A. Davis, John Daniels, J. W. Oldham, G. W. Miller, T. A. Gaskill.
It is of course unnecessary to say that this is an office that will seek the man; not the man the office. What we need is a council composed of such men as will devote some of their time and ability, without any hope of reward, except an approving conscience. We need men of ability and business integrity, who have made a success for themselves and are thus qualified to legislate for the good of the community. Our citizens will doubtless make a wise choice.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 31, 1885.
Geo. Cunningham, just as we were going to press, telephoned to the REPUBLICAN that he was going to put in a large stock of hardware in his business room in addition to his stock of implements. He will commence operations next week. George says it is going to be a complete hardware outfit.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 4, 1885.
Geo. W. Cunningham received an order from R. H. Vermilye, of the Magnolia Farm, near Winfield, for 105 bushels of orchard grass seed, 30 bushels of blue grass, 2 bushels of timothy, and 7 bushels of clover.
This is the largest order given in this county for grass seed, and indicates a most healthy state of affairs. Not only this farm, but a great many others are being sown in tame grasses, and the number increases each year by a larger ratio. Our farmers are beginning to see the benefit and the necessity of them, and each year they increase the value of their farms by the judicious use of these tame grasses.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 14, 1885.
Cunningham has 47 orders for flying Dutchman sulky plows. It is a singular thing why farmers will persist in buying such a contrary, crooked looking machine as the flying Dutchman. But they all seem to be of the opinion that it is the lightest running plow made and does the best work.
Arkansas City Republican, February 14, 1885.
It is evident that farmers are realizing the importance of raising tame grasses. Geo. Cunningham has sold upwards of 400 bushels this spring, nearly 200 bushels going to one party.
Arkansas City Republican, February 14, 1885.
Implement dealers in general in this vicinity seem to think that the manufacturers of the three only successful Listers—The Weir, The Deere, and Canton—have done them an injustice by placing the whole family of successful Listers in the hands of G. W. Cunningham.
Arkansas City Republican, February 14, 1885.
Geo. Cunningham has his order in for his hardware stock, which will be here in a few days.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 18, 1885.
Geo. Cunningham made his wife an elegant present last week in the shape of an $80 decorated china dinner and tea set. Frank Hutchison, who sold it, says it is the finest set in the city.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 18, 1885.
MAMMA HUBBARD.
The most successful of the season’s social events occurred last night at Highland Hall under the auspices of the Favorite Social Club. A large and select party of maskers were they, who glided about the hall in the many intricacies of the dance. A feast for the eyes was the many colors as they glided in and out in serpentine movements or moved along stately in massed colors. The beautiful costumes of the ladies, the grotesque and glaring ones of the gentlemen, called up scenes of oriental splendor and was soothing and calming while yet exciting to the lookers on. The names of those who were invited to the Ma Hubbard, were, so near as we could learn as follows.
C. H. Searing and wife; S. Matlack and wife; H. P. Farrar and wife; F. W. Farrar and wife; E. L. McDowell; W. D. Mowry and wife; C. C. Sollitt and wife; J. V. Hull; Frank Austin and wife; John Kroenert and wife; Al Heitkam; C. O. Harris; Dr. Westfall and wife; John B. Walker and wife; Matt Aldridge and wife; C. R. Sipes and wife; John Ingliss; Will Griffith; A. A. Newman and wife; Wyard Gooch and wife; L. N. Coburn; A. V. Alexander and wife; Dr. J. Vawter and wife; Geo. Schmidt; J. Landes and wife; Frank Beall and wife; C. G. Thompson and wife; J. H. Hilliard and wife; Joe Finkleburg; J. A. McIntyre and wife; E. L. Kingsbury; F. K. Grosscup; A. D. Ayres and wife; Thos. Kimmel and wife; Will Moore and wife; Ivan Robinson; J. C. Topliff; Will Thompson; R. E. Grubbs and wife; Chas. Schiffbauer and wife; L. H. Northey; O. Ingersoll and wife; Chas. Chapel; Lute Coombs; P. L. Snyder; J. W. Heck and wife; Frank Thompson; Sherman Thompson; W. A. Daniels; F. B. Willitts; Jerry Adams; Sept. Andrews; Will L. Aldridge; A. J. Pyburn; S. B. Reed; Dr. S. B. Parsons; Dr. M. B. Vawter; Dr. J. A. Mitchell; Isaac Ochs and wife; H. Nicholson; Frank Hutchison; R. P. Hutchison and wife; Herman Wyckoff; F. J. Sweeny and wife; J. L. Huey and wife; R. B. Norton; Chas. Hutchins and wife; Cal. Dean and wife; C. M. Scott and wife; Frank J. Hess and wife; R. U. Hess; R. L. Howard and wife; Dr. H. D. Kellogg and wife; H. P. Standley and wife; E. O. Stevenson and wife; H. H. Perry and wife; G. W. Cunningham and wife; J. G. Shelden and wife; Sam Wyle; Maj. M. S. Hasie and wife; Chas. Hilliard; Tillie Crawford; J. W. Duncan; A. H. Fitch; James Ridenour and wife; J. R. Rogers and wife; Tip Davenport and wife; E. W. Weston, of Wellington, Kansas; Ed. Cole and wife; Lafe Tomlin and wife; Ed. McMullen, of Winfield.
Arkansas City Republican, February 21, 1885.
George Cunningham has had an awning erected in front of his implement house.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 25, 1885.
Quite a serious accident befell Jim Chapin yesterday. As he was working under the awning being erected in front of Cunningham’s building, a heavy ladder fell on him, mashing one foot badly. He will be laid up for three or four weeks in consequence.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 25, 1885.
G. W. Cunningham’s buying German millet seed at 85 cents a bushel. Farmers bring in your seeds and get the cash.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 4, 1885.
LARGEST IMPLEMENT WAREHOUSE IN KANSAS.
GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
Prices guaranteed from 5 to 10 percent less than can be had within 100 miles.
Arkansas City Republican, March 7, 1885.
BUY YOUR GARDEN SEEDS AT CUNNINGHAM’S.
Buy Your Garden Seeds In Bulk At Cunningham’s.
SAVE ONE-HALF AND GET FRESH SEEDS AT CUNNINGHAM’S.
All Kinds of Field and Grass Seeds At Cunningham’s.
Arkansas City Republican, March 14, 1885.
Cane seed for stock feed at Cunningham’s.
Arkansas City Republican, March 14, 1885.
Yesterday afternoon a party of young folks started to go horseback riding. The crowd had assembled at the front of the residence of G. W. Cunningham. No sooner had Miss Fannie Cunningham mounted her steed than he began rearing up and fell over backwards on the rider, breaking her right arm. Miss Cunningham was unaccustomed to horseback riding, and the horse having on a curb bit, was probably the cause of the accident. Dr. Chapel was called immediately, who sat the broken member. It is a wonder that Miss Cunningham was not hurt more severely.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 18, 1885.
We strolled into Geo. W. Cunningham’s Agricultural Implement Warehouse Monday, and were surprised at the immense amount of machinery of all kinds stored there. Anything from a ball of twine to a steam threshing machine can be found. We found George and four clerks, all busy, and in response to the question, “How’s trade?” was told to “Look and see.” We looked and saw a rush not at all in accordance with the hard times cry. George is prepared to meet all competition, not by a foolish slashing of prices, but by the superiority of his goods.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 18, 1885.
Miss Fannie Cunningham met with a very painful accident Saturday afternoon. A party of young people were going horse-back riding, and just after she mounted, the horse having on a curbed bit, a sudden jerk caused it to rear up. This frightened her and instead of slackening the rein, she pulled the harder, the horse falling backwards, and in the fall, her right arm was broken just below the elbow. Dr. Chapel dressed it, and the lady is slowly improving.
Mrs. George W. Cunningham...
Arkansas City Traveler, March 25, 1885.
BEETHOVEN CLUB.
Initial steps were taken a week ago last Wednesday for the formation of a musical society, and culminated last Wednesday in the formation of the Beethoven Club. The officers elected are as follows.
Geo. E. Hasie, President.
Mrs. Frank Beall, Vice President.
Mrs. Geo. W. Cunningham, Treasurer.
Stacy Matlack, Secretary.
R. W. Campbell, Librarian.
The following is the constitution and by-laws adopted.
CONSTITUTION.
1. The name of the society shall be the Beethoven Club, and be limited to 40 members.
2. The officers shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Librarian, all of whom shall be elected annually by a majority of the members in good standing. There shall also be appointed by the officers of the Club an Executive Committee, which shall serve for one year, unless removed before such time by a majority vote of said officers.
3. The President shall preside at all the deliberations of the society. The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the Society. The Treasurer shall take charge of all the funds and pay out same only on bills approved by chairman of Executive Committee. The Librarian shall take charge and safely keep music books and music belonging to the society and have them when needed at the places of rehearsal. The Executive Committee shall have general management of the affairs of the society, and constitute a board of directors with the President and Vice President, who shall be ex-officio members thereof.
The executive committee appointed are S. B. Fleming, C. L. Swarts, F. K. Grosscup, Mrs. H. P. Farrar, Mrs. E. D. Eddy.
The charter members are:
Wm. M. Sleeth, F. K. Grosscup, Mrs. Geo. Cunningham, J. O. Campbell, Mrs. C. H. Searing, Mrs. E. A. Barron, Miss Rosa Morse, C. L. Swarts, S. Matlack, R. W. Campbell, Mrs. Morse, Allen Ayres, Miss Peterson, S. B. Fleming, W. D. Mowry, Ella Love, Mrs. Allen Ayres, Mrs. Chas. Howard, Mrs. N. T. Snyder, Mrs. E. D. Eddy, F. B. Hutchison, Mrs. W. E. Gooch, Mrs. A. A. Newman, Mrs. H. P. Farrar, Mrs. N. S. Martin, Geo. E. Hasie.
Arkansas City Republican, April 4, 1885.
Judge Pyburn for Mayor.
The following is explanatory within itself.
HON. A. J. PYBURN, We, the undersigned, citizens of Arkansas City, Kansas, herein respectfully request and urge the use of your name as a candidate for the office of mayor and pledge you our best support.
T. H. McLaughlin, C. A. Howard, John Landes, J. P. Musselman, S. Matlack, J. W. Sparks, A. D. Prescott, Thos. Van Fleet, T. R. Houghton, T. Kimmel, Jas. Ridenour, S. P. Gould, W. S. Thompson, M. S. Hasie, Geo. E. Hasie, H. C. Nicholson, F. K. Grosscup, J. R. L. Adams, T. L. Mantor, S. B. Reed, E. M. Multer, G. W. Cunningham, P. Pearson, J. M. Collins, Archie Dunn, S. B. Adams, Frank J. Hess, Ira Barnett, Wm. M. Jenkins, Uriah Spray, Wm. R. Smith, J. L. Henry, W. E. Gooch, M. S. Snyder, A. P. Hutchinson, R. P. Hutchison, Frank D. Austin, G. W. Miller, C. C. Sollitt, F. W. Farrar, O. G. Shelden, J. L. Howard, H. H. Perry, J. D. Hill, F. B. Hutchinson, E. L. McDowell, A. W. Alexander, P. Wyckoff, L. McLaughlin, E. E. Eddy, Geo. H. Heitkam, S. F. George, O. P. Houghton, O. Ingersoll.
Our space being limited, we are unable to publish a full list of the petitioners, but there were about 360 more names appended to the different petitions circulated in all.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 20, 1885.
G. W. Cunningham now has as large a stock of buggies as many jobbing houses in the East, and can make prices accordingly. Better goods for less money than in any house in Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 20, 1885.
Three cars of buggies at Cunningham’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 10, 1885.
G. W. Cunningham keeps ahead of all rivals in the buggy trade, and, by the announcement he makes in our columns today, the inference is plain that he intends to retain the lead. Enterprise will tell.
BIG AD. We don’t propose that any one shall make MONEY -IN THE- IMPLEMENT -OR- BUGGY trade as long as we are in the business, and “don’t you forget it.”
G. W. CUNNINGHAM.
Arkansas City Republican, June 13, 1885.
Mrs. G. A. Vanderbilt, of Tarrytown, New York, and Miss Hiram Horton, of Peakshill, New York, are visiting at the residence of G. W. Cunningham. They are relatives of the family.
[BIG AD: GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM.]
Arkansas City Republican, June 13, 1885.
I say and am prepared to prove that THE DEERING JR. BINDER WEIGHS 500 LBS. LESS THAN ANY OTHER BINDER AND RUNS ONE HORSE LIGHTER.
DEERING JR. BINDER, delivered at Arkansas City, $190.00.
Please bear in Mind that the Deering Jr. weighs 1,200 pounds and that nearly all the other binders weigh 1,800 to 1,900 lbs., and the Deering Jr. is the strongest machine made, as there is more Steel and Malleable Iron used in Its Construction than in any other Machine; also you can always find repairs for the Deering in Arkansas City, And don’t have to send it to the factory.
THE LARGEST STOCK OF BUGGIES IN THE COUNTY.
Don’t be induced to buy any cheap, worthless Cincinnati make-up, when you can get a good buggy from this house at figures consistent with good work. Our prices are for
BUGGIES, $75 to $90
PHAETONS, $85 to $120
SPRING WAGONS, $85 to $110
BEST QUALITY BINDER TWINE 14 CENTS PER LB.
GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
[NOTE: AD TOOK UP AN ENTIRE PAGE.]
Arkansas City Republican, June 27, 1885.
One day last week Geo. Cunningham sent Chas. Vandervert, an employee of the Flying Dutchman Implement House, to a farm near Geuda Springs to set up a binder. While working he became thirsty and seeing a jug stowed away under a wheat shock, went and took a drink. He noticed that the contents of the jug tasted very slimy, but supposed it was Geuda water. He took six drinks from the jug. About this time he began to grow sick at the stomach and in a few moments he began to vomit. He vomited for about six hours and for awhile his life was in danger. Instead of the jug containing Geuda water, it was lubricating oil, and he must have drank over half a pint. Mr. Cunningham went over after Mr. Vandervert and he was brought home on an improvised cot. Mr. Vandervert is all right now and has resumed work.
Arkansas City Republican, July 4, 1885.
I will place my cheapest mower against any in the market and will show that it will do superior work under all circumstances, Machine for Machine. At G. W. Cunningham’s.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 11, 1885.
The Indiana Rake is the best on earth, and we have never had a tooth broke. For sale at G. W. Cunningham’s.
DOWN THE “RAGIN ARKINSAW.”
The Kansas Millers Practically Tested by the Arkansas River Navigation
Company and a Cargo of Interested Citizens, Grain, Etc.
Our Elongated Scribe Sandwiched In.
Cowley’s New Steamer A Big Success.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
Through the courtesy of Mr. Spencer Bliss, representing Bliss & Wood in the Arkansas River Navigation Company, our elongated reporter hauled himself from his couch at 3:30 yesterday morning, and in company with Mr. J. W. Millspaugh and Prof. Davis, sped away behind Mr. Bliss’ bay chargers for the city of many “invalids” and much “medicine.” The object was to join the Navigation Company, composed of James Hill, Bliss & Wood, Searing & Mead, and V. M. Ayres, and leading citizens of the Terminus, in an excursion down the “ragin’ Arkinsaw” on the new steamer, Kansas Millers, as a practical test of its ability to master the sand bars and general “cussedness” of the American Nile. The hour of rising, though at first a severe shock to our delicate nerves, was such a charm that it will likely continue a life-time habit—if we have to sit up every night as on this occasion to do it. Dr. Evans and Mr. H. H. Hosmer were also among this bevy of early worms. It was a perfect morning; the tear drops of heaven had descended, making the air as soft and balmy as though wafted from the “fountain of eternal youth”—exhilarating beyond expression. A lovelier country can’t be found under the blue canopy of heaven than that lying between here and Arkansas City. And just now it teems with promises of abundant crops of corn and other prospective cereals, while the shocks of golden wheat and oats continually dot the landscape. All along the road are the houses of many of Cowley’s pioneers, and the evidences of their having laid up lucre where thieves can’t cabbage it—in numerous tasty and substantial improvements exhibited all around. Reaching Arkansas City at 7 o’clock, a destructive raid was made on the ever unexcelled Leland Hotel. The balmy atmosphere inhaled on the road down was so bracing to the invalids of our party that all noses were upturned at the thought of a regulator of interior departments—known in Arkansas City parlance as “medicine” venders. A man is mighty fortunate to be able to stave off the “quick and sure” miasma grip of the canal, on entering the Terminus. Being full of Leland substantials, we delivered ourselves to the tender mercies of Archie Dunn and were soon landed on the banks of the placid Walnut, just east of the city, in the terrible presence of a Kansas steamer—a real, live steamboat, whose shrill voice sounded “all aboard.!” With a recklessness only attributable to enterprise, two more Archimedean levers were here put among the excursionists: Judge McIntire, the venerable and able editor of the Democrat, and Dick Howard, the young, energetic, and talented faberizer of the Republican. The excursion party, aside from those mentioned, contained sixty of Arkansas City’s leading capitalists and businessmen, all the specially invited guests of Capt. Moorhead and the Navigation company. The trip was made for a thorough exhibition of the merits of the boat—to show thinking and enterprising men just what it could do. No ladies were along. They were reserved for a time when less business and seeming experimental danger were ahead. The boat is a surprise to all—exhibits clear through the deep faith and determination of its projectors. It is a steel hull structure, seventy-five feet long and fifteen wide. Its gross capacity is thirty-four tons, with twenty deck or steerage passengers. It has two high pressure engines with eight inch cylinders, one boiler thirteen feet long and three and a half in diameter, giving 60,000 pounds tensible strength. Its canvas-covered deck has one hundred chairs and its license limit to excursions not over forty miles down the river, is one hundred and thirty. She has pilot, berths, cookery, and all the requisites of a first-class tow steamer: life-boats, plank floats, cork life-preservers, etc., with stern wheel propeller. It drew but thirteen inches of water yesterday and when loaded to its fullest capacity, will draw only fourteen. It is managed by T. S. Moorhead, captain; Fred Barrett, mate; Samuel Clarke, formerly a machinist of Winfield, engineer; John Harrigan, fireman; H. P. Barnes, pilot; and Peter Yount, deck hand. James Hill, Spencer Bliss, C. Mead, and Allen Ayres represented the Navigation Company on this trip. At 8:05 the boat pulled out down the river for the land of the Noble Redskin. Prettier scenery can’t be seen in this section than greets the eye upon either bank as you glide down. The velvety verdure was broken here and there by high bluffs, and, after you get down the Arkansas some distance, by low banks, giving a prairie view for miles around. The broad Arkansas, with the air impeded by but little timber, affords a more exhilarating breeze. The trip is delightful—charms one accustomed only to the dingy den of business. Going down, the steamer made over fifteen miles an hour. The river was swelled about thirty inches, but plenty of picturesque sand bars adorned it. As a practical test, the boat left the channel several times and glided over bars on which not more than eight inches of water flowed. The bottom could be heard grinding along on the sand. Being of steel bottom there is no friction and it seems impossible to stick the little steamer. About as bad places as the Arkansas contains were passed over with perfect ease. If the boat should happen to get stuck, however, only the fore could strand, and the aft will draw it back. The first cargo ever sent down the Nile of America was on board: five cwt. of flour and fifty bushels of corn, unloaded at Gilbert & Newman’s cattle ranch, fifteen miles down. Thirty miles below Arkansas City, on the Kaw reservation, was found as pretty a grove as ever grew wild—a beautiful grassy incline, dotted with branching oaks, reminding one of some of the old Pennsylvania hillsides. Here the excursion landed and spent several hours, the principal of which was a grand feast which had been prepared by C. Burnett, of Arkansas City’s St. Louis restaurant. It was soon demonstrated that, in “setting up” such “grub” for the crowd, Capt. Moorhead had a government contract that threatened bankruptcy. Nothing but four life-boats and sixteen cork life-preservers saved the COURIER’s lean man. Unfortunately, there was no “medicine” on board, and Dick Howard, of the Republican, is probably now sleeping his last long sleep. Returning, a speed of about seven miles an hour was maintained, in a current much swifter than when status quo. About half way up, an anchorage was made in a shady nook, and toasts given to the “Kansas Millers.” Mayor Schiffbauer was master of ceremonies and Nate Snyder did the shorthand act. The Mayor voiced the warm interest of Arkansas City’s businessmen in this promising enterprise. James Hill, general manager of the K. C. & S. W. railroad and father of this steamboat scheme, showed up the great saving to Cowley County in freight rates, in the success of this barge line. The company propose to put $5,000 into a barge fleet. It will be composed of five steel barges, enclosed, and forty feet long and ten wide, each with ordinary capacity of twenty-five tons. They will ply them between Arkansas City and Fort Smith and Little Rock. Flour, meat, hay, etc., will be taken down and coal and lumber brought back. Flour, etc., can be taken down for $5 a ton, half what it now costs by rail, to the best market we can get. As good coal as can be found in Colorado and Pennsylvania can be bought at $2.50 per ton at Ft. Smith and lumber at prices to greatly benefit the consumer, laid down at Arkansas City. The daily expense of running this line will be twenty dollars. The boat cost $7,000 laid down at its destination, and with the barges, will show an investment of twelve thousand. Capt. Moorhead, under whose supervision the boat was constructed and brought up, said he had made a careful examination of the river all the way up and is satisfied, beyond a doubt, that it can be navigated with ease and profit to the company and people. The Captain takes great pride in this enterprise and shows an energy and knowledge of water most commendable. He says he can make the down trip to Ft. Smith, Arkansas, in four days, and return in six—three trips a month. He is convinced that in the near future two boats will be numerously plying the Arkansas to Arkansas City. The fifteen thousand dollars, appropriated and yet unused by Congress last winter for the improvement of the Arkansas river, will be applied for and promises to be forthcoming with other appropriations as soon as successful navigation is assured. Spencer Bliss, Judge Sumner, Judge McIntire, A. V. Alexander, and others made good speeches commendatory of the enterprise. The Navigation Company has divided its capital stock into 110 shares of $100 each. They were opened for subscriptions from those on the boat, and well on to $5,000, the amount necessary to construct the barges, was subscribed by H. D. Kellogg, J. H. Sparks, Ira Barnett, Herman Godehard, T. R. Houghton, Snyder & Hutchison, H. O. Meigs, Peter Pearson, Henry Endicott, Frick Bros., Wagner & Howard, S. F. George, C. H. Burroughs, A. V. Alexander, Mayor Schiffbauer, George Cunningham, Kimmel & Moore, Judge Sumner, and others. All were enthusiastic over the success, so far, of navigating the river.
On the boat is a queer character, a navigator and explorer who has been interested for years in the successful navigation of the Arkansas: L. F. Hadley, known along the river as “Old Robinson Crusoe.” He is a Quapaw Indian by adoption, having been with different redskin tribes since he was eighteen, and is known among them as “In-go-nom-pa-she.” Capt. Moorhead found him at Pine Bluffs, Arkansas; he wanted to come along and the Captain took him in. His early hobbies were scenic sketching and shorthand, and he is making a complete map of the river’s channel. His stay among the Indians has been of a missionary character, and his stories of Indian life, as given to the reporter, would make an interesting volume. “Robinson Crusoe” has made the Arkansas a study for years and has always been certain that it could be navigated. He is a native of Michigan and first got in with the Indians of Northern Michigan. In 1881 he came up to Arkansas City in the steamer, “Aunt Sally,” which many here will remember, under Capt. John McClary. It was an old wooden snag boat and of course a poor test. Then Crusoe mapped the river also. He is indeed an eccentric character, possessing an astonishing amount of self-acquired knowledge.
The barges will not be completed for forty days, during which time the “Kansas Millers” will make excursion trips down the river. Winfield people couldn’t spend a day better than in going down for such a trip. Captain Moorhead and the Navigation company were assiduous in attentions to the guests on this trip. And the reporter found in Engineer Clarke a most pleasant and instructive escort through the intricacies of the lower deck. Mr. Clarke is an old Mississippi boatman, a thorough engineer, and the Company made a good strike when they secured him permanently.
We shall not soon forget our first trip down the “ragin’ Arkinsaw” on a steamboat. The construction of this steamer is the inauguration of a great enterprise, and exhibits forcibly the characteristic “git up and git” of Cowley County men. Mr. James Hill, the father of the enterprise, and Capt. Moorhead, who planned and superintended so successfully the construction of the boat, are entitled to special credit. Mr. Hill would like to see three locks in the Walnut, letting the steamer come up to Winfield, which she could easily do with these adjuncts.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 18, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
Council met in adjourned session Monday evening with Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Davis, Dunn, Dean, Thompson, and Hight present; Hill and Bailey absent.
Bill of G. W. Cunningham of $132.95 for hardware referred to water works committee.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 22, 1885.
Cunningham says he will continue to sell Machinery, Wagons, Buggies, etc., for less than other dealers can buy them. At any rate, the farmers seem to think that his prices are about right, and Mowers and Rakes are moving all the time. Thomas’ Rakes $21, Indiana Rakes, the best rake in the world, $25, Furst & Bradley Rakes $23, and Mowers $60.
DOWN THE “RAGIN’ RACKENSACK.”
Our F. M. on the “Kansas Millers.”
Sights and Incidents of the Winfield Steamboat Exercise.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
Through the courtesy of Messrs. Bliss & Wood, our fat man procured a “dead head” ticket and joined the excursion down the muddy Arkansas last Tuesday. We left Winfield on the regular passenger train going south; our hearts were filled with gladness and our baskets filled with eatables that made the reporter drop all thoughts of trouble and feel like a school boy. We numbered ninety-five souls besides several children. We reached Arkansas City with care. Here the cars were run down to the second crossing below the depot, where we expected conveyances would be in waiting to take us to the river, but “nary one” was there, and half a mile of dusty road ahead that insured our landing on the “Kansas Millers,” but equal to the occasion, we took our lunch baskets in our hands and faced all difficulties by starting for the bridge east of town across the Walnut, where the “Kansas Millers” was tied up tight and fast. Vast volumes of smoke could be seen issuing from the smoke stack. Like all such picnics, each and everyone ran, of the notion that hurrying was the thing or we would get left. We soon reached the bank and viewed the Kansas wonder. As it has been described heretofore in this paper, it will not be necessary now. Getting on board about 1 p.m., we were joined by some twenty from the Terminus. We now numbered 120. Now commenced our troubles. The drinking water failed to come and, of course, after walking through the hot sun and sand, we felt a “leetle” like imbibing. However, all we could do was to smack our lips and imagine there was a dozen cases of beer on deck, instead of water. About 2 p.m., the water came, and we sailed out of harbor at once, and down the stream so merrily. Everything went all right going down. The reporter’s soul felt such joy as he has been a stranger to for a long while. We ran down at the rate of about twelve miles per hour, running twenty-five miles down the stream. We had been looking for some time for a landing place close to some shady nook, where we could land and go ashore and explore the mysteries of our lunch baskets. Some of us had been in such a hurry upon leaving home that our stomachs had been strangers to food since early in the morning. The reporter especially longed for the good time to come when some worthy individual would tap him on the shoulder and say lobsters, spring chicken, ice cream and cake, come along! And we wondered if the party would be scared to see how quick we would come. Finding no suitable place to land, we unfurled the table cloths and napkins and went to work. We partook of the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Parmer, Miss Rena Crampton, and Mrs. F. P. Nichols, four dinners in all, for which we are under many obligations. There was plenty to eat but little to drink. To be sure, the waters of the “Arkansaw” lapped the sides of our boat, and though water was all around us, we were perishing with thirst. Two or three ate this water—they parted it with a knife and swallowed without tasting. They reported some hours afterward a depressed, heavy feeling, like unto being weighted down by sand. About this time we struck for shore and quite a number landed in a shady place. It was found well stocked with the festive chigger and they (the excursionists), soon struck a B line for the boat, except one dude. We had fairly pulled out into the channel when we heard a piteous wail from the bank, and lo and behold, the dude was standing on the shore with a wild and haunted look on his countenance. We had to pull back and take him in, and this is where we got stuck—on a sand bar. Now our sticking troubles began and lasted off and on during the night. There was a colored deck hand, of the genuine southern type, that proved very handy. When we got stuck he would step off with a pole and wade around up and down the river for some distance. He did this probably to assure the passengers there was no danger of them getting into deep water and sinking. At least, we all felt that we were stuck safe and sure every time the “coon” took one of these walks. The capstan was in constant use with the trees along the shore. Several sand bars were torn up by the roots and were reported striking for the Missouri when last seen. If there had been any accommodations for sleeping, we could have got along first rate. As it was, we had to sit bolt upright all night, or stretch ourselves out on a board, and there was not much chance to sleep then, with the talking and laughing going on; and having no water made it worse, though water was found about 3 a.m., which alleviated our condition to a great extent. We reached the starting point at 5 a.m., Wednesday morning, and had to walk to the depot. We felt pretty well tuckered out, you can guess. The Winfield Juvenile band was along and discoursed sweet music. We had an organ aboard and had some good vocal music by E. F. Blair, A. F. Hopkins, Louie [Lewis] Brown, Mrs. Allen Ayres, Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, and Miss Lola Silliman, organist. The mills of Arkansas City were represented by the proprietors themselves. These gentlemen did everything they could, taking a hand at the capstan and working like truck horses. The Kansas Millers has made several trips when the river was much lower than now, and came up all right. We attribute the trouble to new officers. There was a new outfit in command, and, no matter how competent, necessarily they would have to have some experience with the channel of the river before running successfully. Again, we were too heavily ladened. No doubt this boat will run all right with the proper load. She has done it, and will right along. Though it was very hard to sit up all night, the jovial company caused the hours to pass away. The owners of the Kansas Millers made it as agreeable as possible to all on board. Though there were several things which were not in the programme, yet this was not the fault of the owners. The scenery as far as we went is only ordinary. Though the day was very hot, when the boat was in motion we got a good breeze. We don’t feel this morning as if we wished to excurt again for two or three days.
NOTELETS.
We walked to the—
The stream was very muddy.
We got stuck on a sand bar coming up.
There were too many captains aboard.
We want to go again as soon as we get well.
The band boys took dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich.
Ed. Pentecost dispensed ice cream and lemonade until it ran out.
Five ministers and the reporter were aboard—this was the trouble.
We advise the Wichita party to bring along some of “Adam’s ale.”
We were to be back to Arkansas City at 10 p.m., and take the train at 10:30.
The fat, heavy weights aboard are supposed to be the ones that stuck the boat.
Conductor Myers watched for our return until 1 a.m., and went home disgusted.
During the water famine Dr. Park was seen to step outside and drink a bottle of eye-water.
We had lots of good things to eat, but the water was some distance from shore that was fit to drink.
The ladies’ white dresses were spotted with black from the smoke stack, as well as the gentlemen’s clothes.
There was some talk of a moonlight dance, but the presence of five ministers and the fat man put a damper on it.
There was a mistake made in not having a sufficient supply of water put aboard when the boat left Arkansas City.
During the scarcity of water, some salt ice, left in the cooler, was found and devoured instantly. The cooler was not touched.
Joe Maus, of the Winfield Roller mills, showed the reporter many favors, as well as to others. Joe is a good man to have along.
The officers of the boat were: Alton, captain; Barnes, pilot; Clarke, engineer. Robinson Crusoe was aboard, but had no dog or gun.
Judge Gans sat in the center of the boat and held on to a rope during the entire trip. Since the Judge’s Chicago experience, he don’t believe in immersion.
Arkansas City Republican, August 8, 1885.
The Flying Dutchman is the only plow that will stick to hard ground; for sale by Cunningham.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 19, 1885.
At the council meeting on Monday evening, the mayor and six councilmen were present, Dunn and Hill being absent. The vote of the third ward was canvassed, and A. D. Prescott declared elected. He presented himself and took the oath of office.
The following bills were acted on.
G. W. Cunningham, $133.65, of which $24.87 was allowed, the rest held under advisement.
LITIGATION’S LONG LIST.
Trial Docket Cowley County District Court,
September Term, 1885, Commencing Sept. 1st.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
2116. Geo W Cunningham vs M C Shivers. A. J. Pyburn for plaintiff; Wm. M. Jenkins for defendant.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
Cunningham doesn’t sell state’s prison wagons.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
That wonderful invention, the telephone, works many a laughable and sometimes dangerous trick. Last Thursday evening the irresistible ladies’ man, R. U. Hess, desired to ask a young lady to accompany him to the social held at G. W. Cunningham’s residence that evening. Going to the telephone, he sounded the alarm, but by some hook or crook, he was connected with the wrong residence. Dick called “Hello,” and was answered by a sweet feminine “Hello” that thrilled him to his toes. After going through the usual preliminary conversation, Dick came to the point and asked the lady for her company to the social. Her reply of “My husband will go with me” has caused Dick to go homicidal [COULD NOT REALLY READ THIS WORD] in a round-about way after that night ever since. He is opposed to telephone communication now, and says it is wrong on general principles.
[TELEPHONE DIRECTORY.]
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
123. Cunningham, G. W. Office.
114. Cunningham, G. W. Residence.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 2, 1885.
The lawn festival given by Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Cunningham on Friday evening was largely attended, and we understand it was a very pleasant affair.
Arkansas City Republican, September 5, 1885.
Geo. W. Cunningham sold a buggy to a customer in Portland, Oregon, Monday. The buyer was Dr. H. J. Minthorn. Mr. Cunningham sold him the buggy laid down at his home $25 cheaper than he could buy a similar one in the city of Portland. Is it any wonder that Cunningham supplies this part of Kansas with buggies, when he sells them so cheaply?
Arkansas City Traveler, September 9, 1885.
COUNCIL MEETING.
Referred bill of G. W. Cunningham, $93.24; laid over.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 12, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
The city council met in regular session Monday evening with Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Prescott, Davis, Hight, Dean, and Dunn present, and Hill and Bailey absent.
The following bills were acted upon.
Referred bill of G. W. Cunningham, hydrant supplies, $93.54. Allowed.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 16, 1885.
WATER WORKS QUESTION.
The Citizens Reject Mr. Quigley’s Second Proposition.
The meeting of citizens held in Highland Hall on Thursday evening was called by the water works committee to learn their views on the proposition submitted by Mr. J. B. Quigley, of St. Louis. This gentleman was here some months ago with his partner, Mr. Platter, and then the pair submitted a proposition to build gas and water works for the city, owning the franchise, and charging $4,000 for the public use of the water and gas. That is, they agreed to furnish a water system, which was generally approved by those competent to form an opinion, on condition that the city pay $50 a year rental for 60 fire hydrants, making an annual tax of $3,000. They also offered to build gas works, and furnish consumers with an excellent quality of illuminating gas for $2.50 a thousand feet, the city being required to pay for 30 street lamps, at the rate of $30 a year each. This would be an additional charge of $900. They refused, for good reasons given at the time, and repeated by Mr. Quigley at the meeting on Thursday evening, to accept one franchise without the other.
The matter was debated with due deliberation at the former meeting, and the conclusion arrived at was that the city was not then ready to bear the burden of lighting the streets, and before the offer to build water works was adopted, they preferred to invite bids from other responsible parties. A committee was appointed to formulate a plan for the water supply, and advertise in the proper channels for proposals to construct the same.
The work assigned the committee was being intelligently and diligently performed, when Mr. Quigley, who happened to be in Hutchinson, and hearing that our citizens were still laboring on a water works system, inquired of Mayor Schiffbauer by telegram whether a modified proposition would be received. The latter expressed his doubt, in a reply, but invited the gentleman to come and make his offer. He arrived here on the Wednesday train, and that evening laid his proposition before that body. It may be briefly given as follows.
An iron standpipe, ten feet in diameter and 110 feet high. Two compound duplex pumps, each capable of raising 1,000,000 gallons of water in 24 hours. Two boilers capable of running the machinery with easy firing. The main to consist of 5,800 feet of 10-inch pipe, 3,200 feet of 8-inch, 6,200 feet of 6-inch, and 7,400 feet of 4-inch pipe. The machinery is guaranteed to throw water from five plugs 65 feet high by standpipe pressure alone, and 100 feet from pump power. Mr. Quigley asks 30 days to file a bond for $20,000 for the satisfactory fulfillment of his contract. The city will be required to take 65 fire plugs and a rental of $50 a plug per annum. All the mains to be standard condition, and to be extended 600 feet for every six consumers.
The committee was favorably impressed with the offer, but feeling that their instructions did not warrant them to act without authority, they thought it proper to call another public meeting and take the sense of the people. The meeting was held on Thursday evening, about 150 persons being in attendance.
All of the committee was there, except Major Sleeth, and several of the members set forth their reasons for recommending the acceptance of Mr. Quigley’s offer. They may be summarized as follows. The plan originally proposed, the details of which were in print for mailing to pump makers and contractors, involved too great an outlay, and would impose too heavy cost on the city. The standpipe of the dimensions given above, and the water mains graduated from ten to four inches, would suffice for a city of 30,000 to 40,000 inhabitants, and would certainly answer our wants for many years to come. It would be well to accept the offer now because there was the prospect of a dull winter before us; the erection of the machinery and the laying of the pipes would afford employment to scores of our workmen, and the evidence of progress and enterprise, made manifest by such a work, would give our city a good name abroad and be apt to attract capital and population hither. While to decline this offer and advertise for this would cause a delay of two months, the winter is a bad time to prosecute such an undertaking, and it was most likely that nothing would be done in the way of procuring a water supply till next year.
These statements were met by arguments from Messrs. Meigs, T. H. McLaughlin, Prescott, Cunningham, and others, that as the city had waited so long, the further delay of a few weeks would not be detrimental. Mr. Quigley had made his offer, but there might be others who were willing to do the work for less. It would be in conformity with business rules to put it up to competition and take the lowest bidder. Mr. Quigley’s present one was nearly $1,000 a year better than the offer he made before; under the spur of a little wholesome competition, he might find it to his interest to make a still better offer, and the delay involved would be fully justified by the possible advantage to be gained.
The above is the substance of the reasoning used on both sides, until to bring the matter to an issue. Mr. J. P. Johnson moved that the committee be held to their former instructions to advertise for bids, which was amended by G. W. Cunningham restraining that body from opening any bids before October 12th. Both amendment and the original motion were negatived by the meeting. Judge Kreamer then moved that Mr. Quigley’s offer be accepted, which was submitted to a rising vote. The chair and the secretary (James L. Huey and N. T. Snyder) counted noses and pronounced the vote a tie. It was then proposed that the vote be taken by ballot, but on Mr. Dean’s suggestion that so indeterminate an expression of public sentiment would have no weight with him as a councilman, but he should be left to the exercise of his own judgment, a motion to adjourn was entertained and the meeting broke up leaving the committee to act as they thought best in the matter. As their instructions were not modified by the citizens they called together to consult with, we cannot see that they can act in any other way than to go on and advertise for bids.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 16, 1885.
Delegate Convention.
The primaries were held in this city and in Creswell Township on Saturday evening, notwithstanding the severe rain storm. The proceedings were orderly and the selection of delegates was gone through with as a routine matter.
Third Ward. The meeting in the ward was held in Hilliard’s Stable, L. E. Woodin presided, Ed. Kingsbury, secretary. Following is the list of delegates and alternates. Delegates: L. E. Woodin, T. J. Gilbert, C. S. Searing. Alternates: Ed. Kingsbury, G. W. Cunningham, N. T. Snyder. In this ward a committeeman was elected, N. T. Snyder being the member chosen.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 19, 1885.
The Delegates to the Republican Convention to be Held at Winfield Today.
Last Saturday evening the Republican primaries were held in the four wards of Arkansas City and Creswell Township. The following are the delegates chosen.
THIRD WARD. The voters assembled at the REPUBLICAN office. L. E. Woodin was made chairman, E. L. Kingsbury, secretary. L. E. Woodin, T. J. Gilbert, and C. H. Searing were elected delegates while Geo. Cunningham, E. L. Kingsbury, and N. T. Snyder were designated to serve as alternates. The convention also chose N. T. Snyder as a committeeman.
Arkansas City Republican, September 19, 1885.
Geo. Cunningham has been in Kansas several days this week.
Arkansas City Republican, September 19, 1885.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hilliard were surprised by a very pleasant party last evening. They were spending the evening very pleasantly with Mr. and Mrs. Powell and Miss Laura King, relations of Mrs. Hilliard, from Chicago, when the party took them by storm. Those invited were Messrs. Philip Snyder, Will Daniels, Chas. Mead, Herman Wycoff, Charlie Chapel; Misses Mollie and Linda Christian, Clark and Cora Thompson, Jessie Miller, Lucy Walton, Fannie Cunningham, Minnie Stewart; Mrs. Fred Miller, Mrs. Gooch; Mr. and Mrs. Capt. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Topliff, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Parsons, Mr. and Mrs. Worthley, Mr. and Mrs. Ayres, Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Grubbs, Mr. and Mrs. Landes, Mr. and Mrs. N. T. Snyder, Mr. and Mrs. Matlack, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Farrar, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Searing, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Cunningham, and Mr. and Mrs. Wyckoff.
REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.
Everything Harmonious, With No Opposition to Speak of. A Ticket Unexcelled.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
Convention called to order. Committee on credentials reported the following names of delegates entitled to seats in this convention.
ARKANSAS CITY.
1ST Ward.
Delegates: W. D. Kreamer, J. T. Hight, F. M. Peak, T. D. Richardson.
Alternates: A. E. Kirkpatrick, Jas. Ridenour, W. D. Johnson, J. M. Smiley.
2nd Ward.
Delegates: Frank Hess, Ed Pentecost, Chas. Bryant, Theo. Fairclo.
Alternates: Ed. Gray, D. Lewis, Ira Barnett, E. Baldwin.
3rd Ward.
Delegates: L. E. Woodin, C. H. Searing, Thos. Gilbert.
Alternates: Ed. L. Kingsbury, G. W. Cunningham, N. T. Snyder.
4th Ward.
Delegates: O. D. Rarick, D. D. Bishop, John Daniels, W. D. Mowry.
Alternates: Chas. Parker, J. E. Beck, S. C. Lindsay, Alex Wilson.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
On Monday evening quite a number of neighbors and friends gathered at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Cunningham for the purpose of witnessing the bloom of the night blooming cereus.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 10, 1885.
On Monday evening quite a number of neighbors and friends gathered at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Cunningham for the purpose of witnessing the bloom of the night blooming cereus. The bud began to unfold early in the evening, and by eleven o’clock, it had reached the zenith of its beauty.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
G. W. Cunningham, with a party of Nimrods, have chartered the Kansas Millers to carry them down the river to engage in a hunt in the territory. They expect to be absent about two weeks.
Arkansas City Republican, October 17, 1885.
G. W. Cunningham has secured the Kansas Millers for several days and organized a party to go down in the Territory on a hunting expedition. The party will start Tuesday and will be gone a week or so. It will do down the river some 50 miles. About 40 of our citizens will engage in the excursion.
Arkansas City Republican, October 17, 1885.
Railroad Meeting.
The citizens of Arkansas City have just awakened to the fact that they are about to be left out in the cold in the matter of the K. C. & S. W. Railroad. It has now become known that the Geuda Springs branch is only another name for the K. C. & S. W., and that while the company will fulfill their agreement to the letter, and build the road through Arkansas City to the state line, they have intentions of making the junction at least three miles north of here and thus make the Geuda Springs & Caldwell branch the main line, while this will be only a stub with not sufficient length to justify a separate service. The effect will be that when the road is in operation that only such trains as are absolutely necessary will ever be run down here, a local freight perhaps. This is a direct stab at Arkansas City from the Winfield element in the company headed by the road’s attorney, Henry E. Asp, our present county attorney. To devise some means to have the junction here or south of here, provided a western branch is built, was the object of a meeting held in the office of Meigs & Nelson Thursday evening.
The meeting was called to order by N. T. Snyder, Judge Kreamer being called to the chair and N. T. Snyder, secretary.
George Cunningham stated the object of the meeting, which was to devise some way to prevent the junction from being north of Arkansas City, and asked Mr. Hill to make a statement of what the company intended to do.
Mr. Hill said that the company intended to build the road through Arkansas City to the state line, and that the Caldwell branch would also undoubtedly be built, and that it would be to his interest, and to the company’s interest, to have the branch start from here, as it would require but one bridge. He also stated that the company, outside of the Winfield element, was favorable to Arkansas City. He acknowledged that the company was morally, if not legally bound, to make the junction here, because it was upon these express promises that they had obtained the aid of Arkansas City in voting the bonds.
Rev. Fleming made a forcible speech, charging it as conspiracy on the part of Winfield to leave Arkansas City out in the cold and a violation of the promises made by Asp and others when they obtained our aid.
Amos Walton said that it was a conspiracy that was entered into at the time the company approached Winfield. Every opposition was made to Mr. Hill’s efforts to get the road through the east part of the city and east of the Santa Fe. The city council was even in the conspiracy, as shown by the fact that they would not grant the right of way of street crossings unless the road went west of the city. The road going west, he estimated, cost $25,000 more than the east route. “Winfield voted $20,000 bonds to get them in there and charged them $25,000 to get out.”
A. A. Newman moved that a committee of five be appointed to confer with Mr. Hill as regards the best means of attaining the object of the meeting. The chair appointed A. A. Newman, Geo. W. Cunningham, Amos Walton, Rev. Fleming, and S. Matlack as that committee.
The following resolution was passed.
Resolved, That the K. C. & S. W. Railroad Company is not treating the city of Arkansas City fairly, and in the same generous spirit which the citizens treated them in the inception of the road in the matter of building a road diverging from their line north of this city. In support of this proposition, would say that it was promised and agreed by Mr. Asp, attorney for the road, in order to obtain our aid, that the line of road should come down east of the A. T. & S. F., and yet the leading citizens of Winfield antagonized the road sufficient to prevent its coming through Winfield on a line to accomplish that object and to the injury of the company forced it upon the west side of the city of Winfield, and then as a part of the scheme for the injury of Arkansas City proposed and looked up a line leading west only three miles north of the city of Arkansas City. Feeling that it is a violation of the good faith pledged to the city, we would respectfully state that the said line should be left open until the line to the territory on the south of us is built. We would further state as to the matter of expense that in case the company will make a survey and establish the cost of the road from the point in Beaver Township, to the west line of Walton Township, Sumner Co., and a corresponding survey from Arkansas City or south of it, west through Walton Township, Sumner County, that we will willingly make the difference in case it should be favorable to the first mentioned line. W. D. KREAMER, Chairman.
N. T. SNYDER, Secretary.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 31, 1885.
A Citizens Committee.
Last Monday evening several of our leading citizens met in the office of Judge Pyburn, for the purpose of organizing a citizens committee, its object to be to protect and promote the interest of Arkansas City, in any way that would tend to help and sustain the rapid growth of the Border City. A. J. Pyburn was called to the chair, and M. N. Sinnott was elected secretary. A temporary organization was made and an adjournment was taken until Tuesday evening at the same place, when a permanent organization was made by electing A. J. Pyburn, president; H. D. Kellogg, vice president; M. N. Sinnott, secretary; N. T. Snyder, assistant secretary; W. D. Mowry, treasurer. A finance committee was also appointed consisting of the following: A. A. Newman, H. O. Meigs, and W. D. Kreamer. Also an executive committee as follows: G. W. Cunningham, Wm. Sleeth, Amos Walton, H. D. Kellogg, N. T. Snyder, T. H. McLaughlin, W. D. Mowry, A. D. Prescott, and F. P. Schiffbauer. Committee made an assessment of $5.00 on all members and it was also decided that any citizen of good standing could become a member by paying the same fee.
The following are the charter members.
Names selected by the committee: Chas. Sipes, Geo. Howard, Geo. Cunningham, Wm. Mowry, Rev. Fleming, F. P. Schiffbauer, A. J. Pyburn, H. O. Meigs, Jas. L. Huey, Wm. Sleeth, W. D. Kreamer, A. A. Newman, A. D. Prescott, Jacob Hight, T. H. McLaughlin, O. S. Rarick, Jamison Vawter, J. P. Johnson, H. D. Kellogg, Ed. Grady, O. P. Houghton, M. N. Sinnott, Geo. W. Miller, N. T. Snyder, Amos Walton, Jas. Ridenour.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
CITIZENS’ COMMITTEE.
A Popular Movement to Advance the City’s Interests.
On Monday evening of last week, about a score of our prominent citizens held a meeting in Judge Pyburn’s office to consider the most practicable means of advancing the interests of this city. The views expressed were that in a rapidly growing country, where incoming population is apt to seek new channels, and business interests are created by the changing tide of affairs, it is necessary for every city that seeks growth and prosperity to be on the alert and lend its hand in shaping matters to its own advantage. It was agreed that to put the forces of a community to the best avail, it is necessary to have some organization to depute some number of men of good judgment and business acumen to watch the changes in the kaleidoscope of social life, and suggest means for turning them to proper advantage; to perform the duty of a picket guard in the army. In fact, holding themselves in an advanced position, and watching every movement that comes under their notice. As an initial step to the organization sought after, the meeting chose of the persons present, Messrs. A. A. Newman, A. D. Prescott, G. W. Miller, N. T. Snyder, and Amos Walton as an executive committee, with power to add to their number, and report to a public meeting to be held in the Opera house the following evening.
On Tuesday the Buckskin Border Band stationed outside that popular place of amusement, gave notice to the public that business was to be done by playing several choice airs in their usual artistic style. Several score of people gave heed to the summons, and by 8 o’clock there were about a hundred assembled. The meeting was called to order, Mayor Schiffbauer was chosen chairman, and our new postmaster, M. N. Sinnott, appointed secretary. Amos Walton, on behalf of the originators of the movement, was called on to explain the object of the meeting. He told what had been done the evening before, and handed to the secretary a list of names selected by the committee to add to their number, and said he would then ask the sense of the meeting on the choice made. The secretary read the following names.
C. R. Sipes; G. W. Cunningham; Rev. S. B. Fleming; A. J. Pyburn; H. O. Meigs; W. M. Sleeth; Jacob Hight; O. S. Rarick; J. P. Johnson; Ed Grady; Geo. Howard; D. Mowry; F. P. Schiffbauer; James Ridenour; Jas. L. Huey; W. D. Kreamer; T. H. McLaughlin; Dr. Jamison Vawter; Dr. H. D. Kellogg; O. P. Houghton; M. N. Sinnott.
Mr. Walton said he commended the object of the proposed organization because it gave our citizens the benefit of the counsel and services of two dozen of our most experienced citizens (He wished to exclude himself from self commendation.) who would be on the lookout for opportunities to turn to the public good. The plan as he sketched it was for those two dozen sagacious men to mature among themselves whatever movements would advance the public good, and then call a public meeting to whom their plans could be unfolded and action taken on them. On motion the list of names read by the secretary was approved.
Several other speakers followed in like strain.
Frank Austin preferred to have the organization placed on a broader basis. It had been called a board of trade by some speakers, and he wanted it made one in fact. He wanted membership thrown open to all eligible persons, and stated times of meeting. To create a fund for any sudden use he would have an initiation fee and an annual subscription.
But this proposition was generally opposed on the ground that it was taking the organization out of the hands of those who framed it. The meeting having nothing further before it, adjourned.
At a subsequent meeting of the executive committee, on the 29th, an organization was effected by electing A. J. Pyburn, president; H. D. Kellogg, vice president; M. N. Sinnott, secretary; N. T. Snyder, assistant secretary; W. D. Mowry, treasurer. It was also decided to increase the membership by admitting any fitting person on payment of $5 initiation fee. The following committees were appointed.
Finance Committee: A. A. Newman, H. O. Meigs, W. D. Kreamer.
Executive Committee: G. W. Cunningham, W. M. Sleeth, Amos Walton, H. D. Kellogg, N. T. Snyder, T. H. McLaughlin, W. D. Mowry, A. D. Prescott, F. P. Schiffbauer.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Judge Sumner and George Cunningham were Tuesday circulating over the Metropolis from the Canal City.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Mayor Schiffbauer, Rev. Fleming, A. A. Newman, and Geo W. Cunningham were up from the Terminus today, to meet Geuda and Caldwell men regarding the K. C. & S. W. Arkansas City is making strong efforts to get the junction to Geuda and Caldwell at that place.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 14, 1885.
Rev. S. B. Fleming, Geo. Cunningham, H. O. Meigs, and T. H. McLaughlin were delegated by the Citizen’s committee to visit Caldwell the first of the week and ascertain the animus there relative to the extension of the K. C. & S. W. Railroad west from Arkansas City. Our commission found Caldwell’s railroad committee somewhat opposed to the proposed line; it preferred that the road run west from Winfield. Tuesday morning the council met in this city and passed the ordinance granting the railroad company the right-of-way through the city on 13th street. The ordinance was to have appeared in the Traveler, of last Wednesday, but when our committee ascertained the feeling in Caldwell, it telegraphed to withhold its publication, which was accordingly done by Major Schiffbauer. A committee from Caldwell came along with Arkansas City’s committee to Winfield to confer with the
K. C. & S. W. officials and learn their intentions. Wednesday morning Mayor Schiffbauer and A. A. Newman went up to Winfield to join the conference. Everything was amicably settled. Caldwell, on learning that the company was going west from Arkansas City, acquiesced, and our committee came home Thursday morning satisfied with what they had accomplished. Arkansas City, Geuda Springs, and Caldwell are now joined hand in hand, working for the same cause—the building of the Geuda Springs and Caldwell branch. ‘Tis well.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Tell W. Walton, of the Caldwell Journal; A. M. Coulson and J. W. Ross, councilmen of Caldwell; Wm. Corzine, county commissioner of Sumner; Hon. C. R. Mitchell and J. A. Leichmann, of Geuda; Mayor Schiffbauer, Rev. Fleming, A. A. Newman, and Geo. W. Cunningham, of Arkansas City; met here Wednesday on business connected with the K. C. & S. W. branch to Geuda and Caldwell.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 25, 1885.
THE RAILROAD AT HAND.
Excursions Over the New Line from Arkansas City to Beaumont.
Steel Rails and Oak Ties, and a Finely Equipped Road.
On Monday Mr. Henry E. Asp, on behalf of the managers of the Kansas City and Southwestern Kansas railroad, then within a few miles of Arkansas City, tendered Mayor Schiffbauer and the city council an excursion over the line to Beaumont and return. The mayor said he should like the invitation extended so as to include our principal businessmen. Mr. Asp said a general excursion to our citizens would be given as soon as the road was completed to the city, and arrangements could be made for the entertainment of a large number of guests, but at the present time not more than a score of excursionists could be provided for. This being the case, Mayor Schiffbauer invited the city council, authorizing each member to take a friend along, and also included in the invitation the railroad committee of the board of trade. This filled out the allotted number.
The following gentlemen composed the excursion party.
Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Thompson, Bailey, Dunn, Dean, Davis, and Hight. (Councilman A. D. Prescott was unable to take part, through business engagements, and Councilman Hill was found superintending the construction of the road.)
The friends they invited and who were present for duty, were mine host Perry, J. Frank Smith, J. H. Hilliard, Frank Thompson, and City Clerk Benedict.
The railroad committee consisted of A. A. Newman, N. T. Snyder, Major Sleeth, G. W. Cunningham, W. D. Mowry, and T. H. McLaughlin. These with the present writer (nineteen in all) formed the invited party, Henry E. Asp accompanying them as host and guide.
At 7:30 on Tuesday morning, omnibuses were in waiting at the Leland Hotel to carry the excursionists to the end of the track, and the party being seated, a brisk drive of three miles carried them to an animated scene. The day’s labors had begun, upwards of 100 workmen being employed. A construction train of ten or a dozen cars was on hand, loaded with implements and material: ties, rails, fish-plates, bolts, spikes, shovels, and so on. The ties were of well seasoned oak brought from Arkansas, which were being unloaded by lusty arms, and thrown onto tracks, which was distributed along the grade. The train was standing on the foremost rails that were spiked, and in advance of this was a rail truck drawn by two mules, which recovered the iron from the flat car, and carried it forward over the loose rails, a force of men standing by the truck and laying the rail as fast as the ties were in place.
Track laying, in these days of railroad building, is reduced to an exact science. The ties are laid along the road bed under the direction of a foreman; another crew extends the nails, which is followed up by the spike-drivers. A sufficient force can lay two miles of track a day without extraordinary effort, and the onlooker has to maintain a steady sauntering pace to keep up with the workmen.
Some delay was caused on Tuesday morning by a disagreement between two foremen, which resulted in a fisticuff encounter. The aggressor in the unpleasantness was discharged, and his crew, numbering about thirty men, refused to work under another boss. They were all sent to Winfield to receive their pay, and a fresh force brought from there to take their place. This delayed the work about an hour and a half.
At 8:30 a.m. the whistle of the excursion train sounded about one-fourth of a mile along the track, and our party of pleasure seekers made good time walking in the direction of the cars. T. H. McLaughlin stumped along, with his one live leg, as agile as the best of them; but Councilman Davis, another mutilated war veteran, jumped into a vehicle to save a fatiguing walk. The track to Winfield is not yet ballasted, and the running time to that city was slow. The bridge over the Walnut is a substantial piece of work, being raised on trestles 45 feet above the stream, and the approaches being supported on solid masonry. The two miles of road south of Winfield cost $65,000.
At Winfield a brief stay was made to take on passengers, and here Mr. Latham joined the party, who was heartily greeted by his Arkansas City guests, and who spent the day in their company. From Winfield a good rate of speed was put on, the road being well ballasted and running as smoothly as a bowling green. The first station reached was Floral, nine miles from Winfield. This is a thrifty place, which has sprung into existence since the road was built, is well situated, and surrounded by a good country. Wilmot is 8½ miles distant, and Atlanta, 7 miles along. Latham is in Butler County, also a railroad town, built on a broad creek, and already containing 400 or 500 inhabitants. Commodious stone stores are in process of erection, an extensive lumber yard is well stocked, and other business lines are well represented. At Wingate (between the two places last named) there is a flag station. Beaumont was reached about 11:30, the distance from Latham being 13 miles. Here the K. C. & S. W. Road forms a junction with the St. Louis & San Francisco road, and here the journey terminated. Several miles of the Flint hills were traversed in reaching here, a surface formation of brecciated and abraded rock, which proves that at some time in the geological periods this whole region was overflown. Dinner was ready for the excursionists when they stepped off at the station, their dining hall being a commodious room on the upper floor of that building, under charge of Noah Herring and his very excellent and capable wife. Two tables furnished room for the score of hungry guests, and a good dinner, promptly served, was in waiting to allay their hunger.
Here four hours was afforded to take in the town, and enjoy the fine scenery that surrounded it. A party of the most robust pedestrians, under conduct of Henry Asp, took a breezy walk over the hills into Greenwood County; where a fine panorama of scenic beauty lay spread before their gaze, with Eureka, in the distance, nestling in the valley, like a sylvan deity. Those less enterprising visited the post office, made acquaintance with store keepers, talked with the oldest inhabitant, and then played the games of billiards, pigeon-hole, and quoits. Major Schiffbauer, at the first named game, made some extraordinary shots in missing the balls he aimed at. At quoits G. W. Cunningham did great execution, bombarding with his rings an extensive region of country around the pin he professed to aim at.
Our narrative of this very enjoyable trip must be brought to a close, as space fails. At 4:30 the train started on return. Mr. Young, of Young, Latham & Co., the builders of the road, who came in on the Frisco train, joined the party. Winfield was reached at 7:30, where our friends belonging to that city, left us, and Ed Gray came on board, escorting W. H. Nelson (of Meigs & Nelson), who had been spending a day in the county clerk’s office, making a transcript from the tax list. Towards the close of the journey a vote of thanks to the officers of the road was proposed by Mayor Schiffbauer for their hospitality to the excursionists, and polite attention to them as guests of the day. This was heartily responded to by the party. The day’s labors of the track layers brought them 1¼ miles nearer the city. Omnibuses were in waiting to convey the tired travelers to the city, and by 9 o’clock they were deposited at the Leland Hotel, all clamorous for supper, but unanimous in declaring they had spent a delightful day.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 28, 1885.
BOOMING BEAUMONT
VISITED BY SOME OF OUR CITIZENS TUESDAY.
An Excursion Over the K. C. & S. W., that Long Fought For Railroad.
Beaumont Found to be a Booming Metropolis (?),
Fast Growing in Opulence upon the Flint Hills of Butler County.
Early on last Tuesday morning, two omnibuses drew up to the Leland Hotel and took on board the following gentlemen, who had been invited by the managers of the K. C. & S. W., to take a pleasure trip over that road to the famous and booming Beaumont: Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Hight, Davis, Thompson, Bailey, Dean, and Dunn, and their friends whom they invited, H. H. Perry, J. Frank Smith, J. H. Hilliard, Frank Thompson, and City Clerk Benedict; also, the railroad committee, consisting of A. A. Newman, N. T. Snyder, Major Sleeth, G. W. Cunningham, W. D. Mowry, and T. H. McLaughlin. Bro. Lockley, too, was among the honored ones, and was to chronicle the thrilling incidents of the trip, furnish intellectual food for the party, and report the impressive appearance, the “sights” and widely spread influence, of flourishing Beaumont. After a drive of about three miles, the gleeful party reached the end of the track, where over 200 railroad hands were busy at work, rapidly advancing the “iron bands” towards Arkansas City.
It was after 8 o’clock before they heard the distant whistling of the excursion train, towards which they at once started, and which they reached after a brisk walk of nearly a mile. Had it not been for Councilman Davis, who has only one natural leg to work with, they probably would have continued their journey on foot, and thus economized time. As it was, Mr. Davis was conveyed to the cars in a carriage to avoid the fatigue of walking. All having gotten on board, the train moved slowly up the track. They had a jolly, rollicking time.
Having arrived at Winfield, the passengers allowed the engine to rest a little, although it caused them much weariness to be delayed in a village of such few attractions when vivid pictures of enterprising Beaumont occupied their excited minds. Mr. Latham joined the party at Winfield, and when the train pulled out, the officers of the road suspended from the rear end of the last car a banner, bearing the inscription, “The town we left behind us.” From that railroad station onto the end of the journey, the train swept over the track at a rapid rate, passing through Floral, Wilmot, Atlanta, and Latham. Beaumont (a French word meaning “the fashionable world”) was reached at 11:30 a.m., and the party evacuated the cars and proceeded at once to the central part of the city. On either side, as they walked up main street, tall and magnificent buildings met their view, and the hearts of the rustic excursionists almost ceased to beat on account of the grandeur they beheld. Councilman Dunn had purchased a bran new hat that morning, and in trying to pass in under one of the lofty awnings, it was completely crushed. [N.B. This incident occurred before the drugstore was visited.] They found that the city consists of fourteen houses, which have been standing for 14 years, and the inhabitants number about 75. This is conclusive evidence that the town is still booming. When one of the natives was asked why he did not move to a better locality, he proudly pointed to the barren flint hills, and, with Kansas enthusiasm, maintained that Beaumont was the garden-spot of the world. After dinner, which was served in the spacious dining hall of Noah Herring, some of the party, for amusement, played at billiards and pigeon-hole. Bro. Lockley and Geo. Cunningham leveled down the flint hills and bombarded the town pitching horseshoes. Some of them went into one of the two drugstores in the place and consulted the “holy record” in order to procure some remedy for their ailments. The druggist showed them a full “soda pop” barrel, the greater portion of whose contents they consumed.
While in the drug store they made the following invoice of the stock it contained.
1 small stove: $2.00
1 old keg: $0.00
1 old box: $0.00
1 counter: $10.00
10 boxes of candy: $10.00
1 pail of tobacco: $4.00
2 boxes of nuts: $.50
1 barrel of whiskey: $8.00
TOTAL: $34.50
The excursionists returned to Arkansas City at about 9 o’clock p.m., full of joy and “soda water.” There will be another excursion over this road soon and everybody here will then have a chance to see Beaumont.
Excerpts from a lengthy article...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 28, 1885.
BOARD OF TRADE, OF ARKANSAS CITY.
The Constitution and By-Laws Adopted.
PREAMBLE.
Believing in the necessity of an association of citizens to give tone and energy to their efforts in securing the advantages which the position of the city offers to commerce, trade, and manufacturers, as well as to promote unity of action and to cultivate a more intimate and friendly acquaintance among the businessmen of the city, and to maintain a commercial exchange to promote uniformity in the customs and usages of merchants, and to inculcate principles of justice and equity in trade, and to facilitate the speedy adjustment of business dispute, to acquire and disseminate valuable commercial and economic information, and generally to secure to its numbers the benefits of co-operation in furtherance of their legitimate pursuits, and to use our influence, energies, and means for the furtherance of all enterprises that we believe will add to the prosperity of our city, and that these ends may be obtained by the establishment of a board of trade; we, the citizens of Arkansas City, do therefore agree to form such an association, and to be governed by the following constitution and code of by-laws.
CONSTITUTION.
OFFICERS.
ARTICLE 1. The officers of this Board of Trade shall consist of a president, two vice-presidents, ten directors, two secretaries, and a treasurer, who shall constitute its board of managers. They shall be chosen semi-annually, on the second Monday of January and July of each year. Their election shall be by ballot and they shall hold their office until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS.
ARTICLE 2. This association shall hold semi-annual meetings on the second Mondays of January and July at half past 7 o’clock, p.m. But special meetings may be called by order of a majority of the managers whenever they may deem it proper, and upon the written application of not less than ten members, the managers shall call said meeting at the time so requested.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
A. J. PYBURN, Chairman; W. M. SLEETH; H. D. KELLOGG; T. H. McLAUGHLIN; F. P. SCHIFFBAUER; JAMES HILL; C. S. BURROUGHS; G. W. CUNNINGHAM; AMOS WALTON; N. T. SNYDER; W. D. MOWRY; A. D. PRESCOTT; J. L. HUEY; A. A. NEWMAN.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 5, 1885.
“Necessity is the mother of invention,” soliloquized Geo. Cunningham as his house blew over yesterday morning, door ground ward, and he was compelled to crawl through a small aperture, kindly provided by the carpenters in the erection of the building.
LITIGATION’S LENGTHY LIST.
The Grist in Waiting for the December, 1885, Term of the District Court,
Beginning Tuesday, the 15th.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY.
Geo W Cunningham vs M C Shivers, A J Pyburn pros; Wm M Jenkins defense.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 16, 1886.
Messrs. A. A. Newman, T. H. McLaughlin, H. T. Sumner, Geo. Howard, Jas. Hill, W. B. Wingate, Dr. H. D. Kellogg, Frank Austin, Geo. Cunningham, Hermann Godehard, W. D. Mowry, S. P. Burress, and F. B. Hutchison went over into the townships in Sumner County along the line of the proposed G. S. & C. Road Tuesday and worked like Turks to secure the carrying of the bonds. Elsewhere we give the good results of their labors. Wonderful stories are told by the boys as to how they walked mile after mile over enormous snow drifts, and how Hermann Godehard captured the German vote and also about A. A. Newman’s big speech on the tariff question. ’Tis no wonder that Arkansas City booms, when she has such patriotic and enterprising citizens pushing at the helm. These gentlemen realized that the carrying of these bonds was a necessary factor in the future welfare of Arkansas City, and accordingly went over to the contested territory, through the piercing winds and snow, and put their shoulders to the wheel. A great deal of credit is due the above mentioned gentlemen for what they did for Arkansas City last Tuesday.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 23, 1886.
Geo. Cunningham has erected or caused to be erected in front of his castle de home on “Quality Hill,” a patent street lamp. Of course, George doesn’t need the light during these beautiful moonlight evenings to find the gate, but it is quite evident that he is preparing for the “dark of the moon.” The REPUBLICAN would suggest that George, to further his interests, place a funnel in the key-hole, so as to make it still more convenient to unlock the door from the outside after night. The street lamp and the funnel march down the path of time in this enlivened age hand in hand.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
S. H. Myton and W. A. Lee of Winfield, Geo. W. Cunningham of Arkansas City, A. Graff of Wellington, and H. E. Noble of Medicine Lodge—all hardware and agricultural implement men—gathered at Winfield and are off for Kansas City and the east to lay in their spring stock of implements. Going in a body, they hope to paralyze the big dealers and get some fine bargains.
Arkansas City Republican, February 20, 1886.
On last Wednesday evening, in honor of Miss Fannie Cunningham, a phantom surprise party was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Cunningham. It was the writer’s first experience at playing ghost, and a not very agreeable one it was, with a sheet and pillow case sewed, pinned, tied, buckled, and twisted around one and then feeling sadly in need of three or four pair of hands to keep things in place. But after the spook habiliments were disposed of, a delightful time was had indeed. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham are hospitality itself and their beautiful home was at the disposal of the guests. Progressive euchre and waltzing were the main amusements. An excellent lunch was served and at a late hour the good byes were reluctantly spoken, with hopes that Miss Fannie would often have the honor and the guests the pleasure of many such delightful affairs.
Arkansas City Republican, March 13, 1886.
The shareholders of stock in the cracker factory met Thursday evening and L. B. Davidson and G. W. Cunningham were appointed a committee to procure a charter. But a few shares of stock yet remain to be taken and by the time the charter is received, they will be all subscribed for.
Arkansas City Republican, March 13, 1886.
In our rambles over the city Tuesday, we strolled into the large double store room implement house of G. W. Cunningham. The building is chock full of farming implements, wagons, buggies, and machinery. On the three floors of the establishment we found all occupied with Mr. Cunningham’s wares. The gentlemanly proprietor informed us that he was making special inducement to patrons of his establishment this season. He bought his goods in the east and paid the cash therefor, getting a big discount by so doing. Farmers will get the benefit of this discount. Mr. Cunningham is an enterprising implement dealer beyond a doubt.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
Rev. S. B. Fleming, Mayor Schiffbauer, W. D. Mowry, F. E. Lockley, George W. Cunningham, Amos Walton, N. T. Snyder, and a dozen or two other prominent lights of the Terminus were the wild and wooly besiegers of the courthouse today, during the calling of the bond elections. They tried hard to wedge in effective kicks. Their visit was as ineffective as was the attempt to defeat the signing of the petitions.
Arkansas City Republican, March 20, 1886.
The Cracker Factory.
Thursday Geo. W. Cunningham and L. B. Davidson received the charter for the Arkansas City cracker factory. The capital stock is $20,000. The directors are L. B. Davidson, of New York; James L. Huey, H. P. Farrar, G. W. Cunningham, N. T. Snyder, and F. J. Hess. The stock is all subscribed and the company is now looking up a building site. It proposes to erect a building suitable for the business and place the machinery in and commence operations as soon as possible. Mr. Davidson is an experienced cracker manufacturer and will have charge of the factory. He will go east Monday to make the necessary purchases of machinery and also to remove his family here. Thus does Arkansas City’s great boom go on.
[EXCHANGES.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 31, 1886.
GEUDA SPRINGS HERALD. George Cunningham, of Arkansas City, says as soon as the railroad is built, he will establish a large implement house at this point. George is a rustler and will be a great addition to Geuda.
Arkansas City Republican, April 10, 1886.
Farmers hereafter can find the office of the Arkansas City Roller Mills company at the implement establishment of G. W. Cunningham.
Arkansas City Republican, April 17, 1886.
“PICK UPS”
This will make you Laugh and Grow Fat, and Drive away the Blues.
A book agent, selling the life of the great temperance lecturer, John B. Gough, went into the real estate agency of Snyder & Hutchison Thursday and struck G. W. Cunningham to make a purchase. In the talk following the canvasser expressed a desire to meet the ministers of the city and secure their names. At that moment one passed along the street and George pointed him out to the canvasser. The latter dropped his book on the table and started after the minister. While the agent was out getting acquainted with the expounder of the gospel, Cunningham picked up the “Life of Gough” and laid it upon a shelf and put in its stead a report of the State Board of Agriculture. The binding was similar and when the canvasser came in accompanied by the minister, he grasped the copy of the State Board of Agriculture, handed it to the minister, and began his stereotyped harangue. He never stopped for about five minutes and became so earnest in crying the merits of the book that he never noticed the exchange. In the meantime the minister had glanced at the book and as the agent waxed warm in his exhortation, telling of the beautiful illustrations, etc., a broad grin illuminated the former’s face. At the end the minister handed the book to the agent with the remark, “My friend, you are surely mistaken.” The agent glanced at the fly-leaf and the man of mighty cheek collapsed.
Arkansas City Republican, April 17, 1886.
Geo. Cunningham sold to the Santa Fe contractors four dozen scrapers Wednesday to be used in grading on the extension through the Territory.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, April 28, 1886.
GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM,
-DEALER IN- FARM MACHINERY, WAGONS, BUGGIES. ETC.
My weekly sales amount to more than the entire stock of others dealers in the same line in the city. Ten years experience and ample capital, and the judicious use of both place me in a position to make my selections from the very best line of goods direct from the manufactories, and place them on the market at figures below inferior goods, and I will guarantee to do it. GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM.
Arkansas City Republican, May 15, 1886.
The ladies of the Presbyterian Church will hold a strawberry and ice cream festival at the residence of Mrs. Geo. W. Cunningham next Wednesday evening.
Arkansas City Republican, May 15, 1886.
W. Wood and O. C. Daisy of Wichita have been in the city this week making purchases of real estate. They offered Geo. Cunningham $15,000 for his business property. The offer was refused.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 22, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hall of Peekshill, New York, are visiting their brother, G. W. Cunningham.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 22, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.
Wednesday evening upon the beautiful lawn of G. W. Cunningham, the social given by the ladies’ aid society, occurred. A large crowd was in attendance and had a very pleasant time.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 29, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
The visitors at Geo. Cunningham’s, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hall, returned to their home in New York Saturday.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 29, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
G. W. Cunningham sold Beverly Strong of Towanda, Kansas, a daisy buggy today.
Arkansas City Republican, May 29, 1886.
Wednesday night will be remembered by all having the pleasure to attend Miss Nellie Thompson’s reception, as “a pearly in memory’s casket.” Although following one of the hottest days of the season, the evening was not extremely warm—thanks to our climate. We will not attempt to describe the costumes of the ladies, indeed, all present showed good taste in dress, while many of the trousseaus were elegant. The company was musically entertained by Miss Hamilton, Mrs. Meeker, and Mrs. Nellie Wyckoff, discoursing waltzes, which were enjoyed by all, and utilized by those who delight in the “mazy.”
Following are the parties who were present.
Mr. and Mrs. Hess, Mr. and Mrs. Meeker, Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury, Mr. and Mrs. Coombs, Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, Mr. and Mrs. Wyckoff, Mr. and Mrs. Childs, Miss Love, Miss Theaker, Miss Thompson, Miss Fannie Cunningham, Miss Berkey, Miss Eva Hasie, Miss McMullen, Miss Young, Miss Hamilton, Miss Grosscup, Miss Kingsbury, Miss Walton, Miss Guthrie, Miss Martin, Miss Funk, Miss Beale, Miss Gatwood, Miss Wagner; and Messrs. Adams, Balyeat, Behrend, Burress, Chapel, Coburn, Deering, Gould, Hoover, Hutchison, Hawk, Rhodes, Salisbury, Love, Wagner, Rogers.
Arkansas City Republican, June 5, 1886.
Republican Primaries.
The Republican primaries of the city were held Thursday evening.
THIRD WARD.
The meeting was held in Lowe, Hoffman & Barron’s real estate office. Geo. Cunningham was chosen chairman and N. T. Snyder secretary. The delegates elected were: Maj. L. E. Woodin, G. W. Cunningham, N. T. Snyder. Alternates: W. B. Hagins, O. P. Houghton, J. C. Pickering. On motion the meeting adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, June 12, 1886.
Council Proceedings.
The council met in regular session Monday evening. Present: Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Prescott, Hight, Thompson, and Thurston. The following bills were allowed.
G. W. Cunningham, scrapers, $20; allowed.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 12, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
Geo. Cunningham sold three Ketchum wagons this morning.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 26, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
J. Y. Davis and J. C. Coulter, two of Bolton’s farmers whose crops were damaged by the hail storm, while in our office today, tell us that they intend to plow up their corn fields and plant broom-corn. Broom-corn can be planted as late as July 1 and a big crop raised. G. W. Cunningham has the seed for sale. All farmers who desire to plant broom-corn can obtain it from him. He will let you have it on your own terms. We hope that other farmers will follow the example of Messrs. Davis and Coulter.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 26, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
There will be a meeting of the Board of Trade Thursday night at the city council rooms at 8 o’clock. All members are requested to be in attendance. The business is very important.
G. W. CUNNINGHAM, Secretary.
REAL ESTATE.]
Arkansas City Republican, June 26, 1886.
The following is a list of transfers made by Howe & Drury, in the town of Maple City, June 19, 1886.
G. W. Cunningham, lots 1 and 2, block 3. $55.00
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 10, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
G. W. Cunningham received another car of buggies today, making seven carloads of buggies this year.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 10, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
G. W. Cunningham received another car of Ketchum wagons. These wagons are the very best wagons made and are rapidly taking the lead.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 17, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Board of Trade meeting at City Council chamber tonight at 8:30 sharp. Railroad business of importance and members are expected to report for business at that time promptly.
G. W. CUNNINGHAM, Secretary.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 17, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
G. W. Cunningham has just received the finest car load of buggies that ever came into Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 14, 1886. From Saturday’s Daily.
Mrs. Wm. Davids, of El Dorado, accompanied by her niece, Mrs. A. Smith, of New Jersey, are visiting in the city, guests at the home of Mrs. G. W. Cunningham.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 14, 1886. From Saturday’s Daily.
Geo. Cunningham, upon reading our item in yesterday’s daily in regard to a toad swallowing a lighted cigar stub, determined to try an experiment. He purchased a quarter’s worth of cigars and a box of matches before going up to supper, thinking he would enjoy a good smoke and feed his frogs lighted cigar stubs. Taking his coat off and laying it on a chair, from which it slipped to the floor of the porch, George entered his palatial residence to partake of his evening repast. When he came out he was greatly astonished to behold five frogs puffing away on as many of his lighted cigars. The sixth was in the act of drawing a match across his hind quarters to strike it when the performance was suddenly stopped by the appearance of George. It is supposed that the frogs could not wait for George to do the smoking so entered his pocket, removed the cigars, and did it themselves.
[AD: GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM.]
Arkansas City Republican, August 21, 1886.
GEO. W. CUNNINGHAM, -DEALER IN- Farm Machinery, Wagons, Buggies, Etc.
My Weekly Sales amount to more than the entire stock of all other dealers in the same line in the city. Ten Years Experience and Ample Capital and the judicious use of both, places me in a position to make my selections from the best line of goods Direct from the Manufacturers; and will place them on the market at figures below inferior goods, and I will guarantee to do it. My guarantee on goods is a personal one and you don’t have to deal with third parties—As I carry all my own paper.
[POLITICS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 6, 1886.
L. P. King Re-Nominated.
In the representative convention held in this city on Monday, the names of but two candidates were presented, Hon. L. P. King and Rev. J. O. Campbell, and the first named was chosen by a vote of 32 to 21. The delegation from this city went solid against him, but the outlying townships supported him energetically and the choice was made unanimous. There has been much active discussion of this matter since the nomination has been made, and those who express their dissatisfaction are not few or far between. The alleged causes for this discontent may be thus stated.
Mr. King is a Winfield man in sympathy, and when he is away from home, he registers as hailing from that city. He visits Arkansas City but rarely, is not known to the bulk of his constituents, and shows his alien feeling by the little attention he pays us. In the legislature he does not mix in with the boys, spending $10 a day on a salary of $3; but he indulges inexpensive habits and thus loses all prestige as a legislator. He has no ability as a speaker, and is altogether too easy going to amount to much as a representative. Some of these disgruntled republicans express an intention to slaughter Mr. King at the polls by putting up a candidate from this city and rallying all the strength of the party to his support.
Between now and election day there is time for all angry passions to cool, and when sober second thought takes possession of these men’s minds, we look to see them work zealously for the party nominee.
In the first place, Winfield is looking with keen gaze for a division in our councils. The serious error committed by the little ring of politicians who have managed the affairs of our neighbor city has been an indulgence of selfishness. They professed to see a great future before them; half of the railroads of the country running past their doors, and thousands of railroad employees enriching their merchants and swelling their census table. With these extravagant notions in their heads, they grew insolent, unfair, and domineering. The townships adjacent to that city were treated as dependencies, and the declaration was repeatedly made by leading men, who assumed to speak for Winfield, that they must seek the favor of that city if they wanted railroads or any other agency of development. Pride goes before a fall.
Arkansas City, by pursuing a totally different policy, is growing at the expense of its truculent neighbor. When our leading businessmen labored in Silver Dale, Spring Creek, and Cedar last spring, honestly endeavoring to secure those townships the benefits of railroad communication, and exposing the duplicity and reactionary policy of Winfield, a friendly feeling toward Arkansas City was aroused in the breasts of those people, which can be retained and perpetuated if we continue to deal fairly and generously by them.
At the convention on Monday the townships comprising this representative district (outside of the city) voted solidly, through their delegates for Mr. King. Many of his supporters personally know the man, and take this way of showing their confidence in his judgment and integrity. They know his habits to be correct, his character to be upright, and his family honorable. They do not claim that he is a brilliant orator, but they know he is clear-handed, a diligent worker, and devoted to the best interests of his constituents. His short address to the convention, when called on for a speech, was characterized with manliness and good sense, and showed conclusively that Mr. King can express his views fluently and pointedly, which are the main qualities in a practical discussion. His preference for Winfield we believe to be an unfounded charge. He denies it emphatically to this writer, declaring that he buys his groceries of Arkansas City merchants and his farm implements of Geo. Cunningham.
This is the man nominated by the convention, and whom it will be the business of the republicans of this city to support at the polls. The townships ask it at our hands, and fidelity to party lays it on us as a duty. If those who had other preferences shall bring out another candidate; or if any number of voters shall strike Mr. King’s name from their ballots, thereby bringing about his defeat, let them bethink in time they will have a heavy reckoning to pay in the alienation of their neighbors, and a reproach attaching to the name of their city that will retard its growth and prosperity. Any opposition that may be shown will proceed from spite or political treachery, and these are qualities that no lover of the city and its welfare can afford to indulge. A straightforward course will be the true one, for honesty, now as at all times, is allied with thrift. Crooked politics are a dangerous game to play, and are always apt to plague their inventor.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 6, 1886.
G. W. Cunningham, with his wife and sister, were among the excursionists to St. Louis, on Monday. N. T. Snyder and wife were also in the company.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 16, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Geo. Cunningham came in from St. Louis last evening. He informs us that on the whole, St. Louis is not much larger than Arkansas City—is going to be. He met Mr. Bud Weiser and Mrs. Ann Hauser, formerly of Kansas, well-known to many of our readers. Although they are doing a good business in the old town of St. Louis, they prefer coming back to this state. They hope to get in by Moonlight, at least. But their hopes are small on this point and they are already beginning to realize that their Bacon is cooked. George further deposes that Mr. Bud and Mrs. Ann were real glad to see him and insisted on shaking hands with him “too numerous times” to mention. When he went to bid farewell to the pair, his head was so turned by the confusion of hand-shaking he didn’t know Mr. Bud from Mrs. Ann, and in his eagerness to be sociable he embraced the former for the latter. Such is life of a Sandhiller in St. Louis.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 30, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.
G. W. Cunningham and Mr. Tuthill left for New York on the Frisco morning train.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 3, 1886.
G. W. Cunningham left for New York last week, his trip being partly on business, but mostly for pleasure. He will return accompanied by wife and sister.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 13, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
Yesterday George Druitt purchased the business lot of Peter Pearson next to Cunningham’s implement establishment. The consideration was $9,000. Mr. Pearson immediately made the purchase of the Leland Hotel property of J. L. Huey. He gave $16,000 for it. F. J. Hess made the sale.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 24, 1886.
G. W. Cunningham returned to the city on Saturday evening, accompanied by his wife and sister. George has been absent about three weeks, but the ladies enjoyed a holiday trip of nearly two months.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 27, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Cunningham and Miss Fannie returned from their visit to New York and other eastern states Saturday evening.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 15, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
At a meeting of the directors of the Arkansas City Cracker Company, G. W. Cunningham was elected president; S. P. Gould, vice-president; and J. L. Huey, secretary and treasurer.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 29, 1887. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Creamer Bros., who came here from Massachusetts looking up a location for a boot and shoe house, have decided to stay with us. They have rented the south room of G. W. Cunningham’s implement establishment, and will proceed at once to fit it up, put in their stock, and be open for business by March 1.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 29, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
The Creamer Bros. have begun fixing up their storeroom in the Cunningham block for their boot and shoe establishment.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 19, 1887. From Wednesday’s Daily.
The Arkansas City Roller Mills have moved their office to the Cunningham block.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 26, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
Mrs. G. W. Cunningham is sick with throat trouble.
Arkansas City Republican, March 5, 1887.
AD. The Great Eastern SHOE COMPANY. Will be open for business about MARCH 10, 1887, With a complete new stock of Boots and Shoes. Direct from the manufacturer at Lynn, Massachusetts. [THEY THEN SHOW ILLUSTRATION OF BUILDING WITH CAPTION “OUR LYNN FACTORY” UNDERNEATH.]
Buy shoes of the Manufacturer and save two profits.
We are the only retail house in Kansas making their own goods. We don’t claim to sell goods at cost but will save you money.
CALL AND SEE US
at our store, south room in Cunningham block.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 5, 1887. From Thursday’s Daily.
The Great Eastern Shoe Co. will open for business about March 10 in the Cunningham block.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, April 2, 1887. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Ward Convention.
Last evening the voters of the four wards of the city held their convention for the purpose of making nominations. The following is the result.
THIRD WARD.
The voters assembled in Wm. M. Jenkins’ law office. Rev. Cline was made chairman and Rev. S. B. Fleming secretary. J. P. Johnson was nominated for councilman and J. F. Hoffman for school director. G. W. Cunningham, Thos. Van Fleet, and O. P. Houghton were elected delegates and were instructed for Huey for mayor.
